Counterfeit activity in consumer goods remains a persistent challenge across the European Union, especially in the domains of clothing, footwear, cosmetics, and toys. Research tracking EU-wide purchases has long highlighted how pirate copies infiltrate markets and alter the competitive landscape for legitimate manufacturers. A study focusing on the period from 2018 through 2021 examined the breadth of counterfeit activity and its consequences for sales, brand equity, and employment. The findings show that fake products in these categories translate into substantial annual losses for EU-based producers, eroding legitimate sales and weakening market share. This leakage also ripples through the supply chain, impacting distributors, retailers, and local economies. Across member states, the collective toll underscores the need for stronger enforcement, better consumer education, and more effective anti-counterfeiting measures. In Spain specifically, the report identifies a multi-million euro annual impact on revenue from counterfeit goods in these sectors, with measurable but modest declines in local job opportunities linked to pirated merchandise. Taken together, the EU-wide results reveal a clear pattern: counterfeit networks diminish the value of authentic brands, reduce consumer trust, and stress the livelihoods of workers who rely on legitimate manufacturing and retail activities. The report also points to actionable steps—improved border controls, smarter supply chain tracking, and targeted awareness campaigns—to curb counterfeit flows and protect economic activity across the union. As markets evolve and consumer demand shifts, ongoing monitoring remains essential to safeguard quality, safety, and fair competition for all players in these critical consumer goods sectors.
