Customs seize growing number of fake goods

French Polynesia’s customs services seized 5,209 counterfeit items in 2025, a sharp increase from previous years, and officials expect another record in 2026. The surge is linked to an "explosion of supply" of fake products, according to customs officials.

Rise in counterfeit seizures

Customs reported a 141 percent increase in the number of seizures between 2022 and 2026, rising from 37 to 89 cases. The number of intercepted items also surged, from 1,138 in 2022 to 5,646 in 2024, before slightly decreasing to 5,209 in 2025 and 4,995 so far in 2026.

Types of counterfeit items

The Faa'a Fret customs office regularly seizes counterfeit items bearing the logos of major luxury brands, including jewelry, leather goods, children’s toys, and clothing. These items are intended for both individual consumers and merchants who resell them locally.

Examples of seized items

A recent seizure included counterfeit clothing from a major luxury brand and a fake luxury watch valued at 3.6 million francs. While some counterfeits are easy to spot, customs officers note that the quality of fake goods is improving, making them harder to detect.

Health risks of counterfeit goods

Customs officials warn that counterfeit items can pose public health risks. For example, chemical solvents were found in counterfeit inflatable balloons, causing physical reactions. These items may also contain harmful substances like formaldehyde or azoic dyes, which can cause allergies or emit toxic fumes.

Legal challenges for customs

For a seizure to be legal, the brand must have registered its rights with Inpi, the French National Institute of Industrial Property, and extended its request for intervention to French Polynesia. Some merchants report that while they have obtained these legal protections, the rise in counterfeits is a new and growing problem.

Origins of counterfeit products

Counterfeit goods often originate from China, but can also come from Turkey or the Maghreb. Guy Loussan, spokesperson for the General Federation of Commerce and owner of a Lacoste franchise, noted that 1,200 counterfeit clothing items with the Lacoste logo were seized this year alone.

Broader implications of counterfeiting

Thomas Daguin, deputy director in charge of combating fraud, said counterfeiting threatens consumer safety, local businesses, and fair competition. He emphasized that counterfeit goods are often made without safety standards and can contain harmful chemicals, which can lead to severe health issues.

Legal penalties for smuggling

Smuggling prohibited goods is punishable by three years in prison and a fine twice the value of the item. Penalties increase for organized crime. Additionally, if brands take legal action, intellectual property code sanctions can be applied.