In an effort to combat the growing threat of counterfeit products in global trade, Bangladesh Customs has launched a comprehensive initiative to enhance its intellectual property rights (IPR) enforcement capabilities. The move comes as counterfeit goods increasingly flood international markets, posing risks to consumer safety and economic security.
Capacity Building Workshop: Strengthening IPR Protection
The World Customs Organization (WCO), with funding from Japan's Customs Cooperation Fund, conducted a five-day national workshop in Dhaka from February 9-13, 2025. The intensive training program brought together 25 selected customs officers who will serve as future trainers in IPR enforcement.
Abdur Rahman Khan FCMA, Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), emphasized the critical importance of IP protection during his opening remarks. "IP infringement causes significant economic losses and threatens public health and safety," he stated, while expressing gratitude for international support in this capacity-building effort.
Comprehensive Training Curriculum
The workshop covered multiple aspects of IP protection through theoretical instruction and practical exercises:
1. Fundamentals of Intellectual Property
Participants received detailed instruction on IP definitions, categories, and the international framework for protection. The training highlighted how robust IP systems encourage innovation, drive economic growth, and maintain fair market competition.
2. Customs' Role in IP Enforcement
The curriculum outlined customs authorities' responsibilities in border protection measures, including inspection procedures, cargo detention protocols, and international cooperation mechanisms to combat cross-border counterfeiting.
3. Identifying Counterfeit Goods
Through case studies and hands-on exercises, officers learned advanced techniques for detecting fake merchandise by examining product packaging, quality markers, and authentication features.
4. E-Commerce Challenges
Special attention was given to the surge in small parcel shipments and online marketplace regulation. The workshop introduced WCO resources including updated case studies and risk indicators for e-commerce related IP violations.
5. Risk Management Strategies
Participants learned intelligence-gathering methods and risk assessment techniques to prioritize high-threat shipments and optimize enforcement resources.
Public-Private Collaboration
The program facilitated knowledge-sharing between customs officials and brand protection specialists. Rights holders provided product-specific training on authentication methods and common counterfeit characteristics.
Field Exercises and Expert Guidance
Practical field visits allowed participants to observe IP enforcement operations at ports of entry. The workshop was led by WCO experts and technical advisors from Japan and India with extensive IP enforcement experience.
Bangladesh's Enforcement Challenges
As a rapidly developing economy, Bangladesh faces significant hurdles in IP protection:
- Limited customs personnel with specialized training
- Insufficient inspection technology
- Incomplete legal framework
- Fragmented interagency coordination
- Low public awareness of IP rights
Future Development Priorities
To strengthen enforcement, Bangladesh plans to:
- Expand officer training programs
- Invest in advanced detection equipment
- Enhance legal protections
- Improve interdepartmental cooperation
- Launch public education campaigns
- Deepen international partnerships
The WCO workshop represents a significant step in Bangladesh's efforts to combat counterfeit trade. As global commerce continues to evolve, such capacity-building initiatives will prove essential for protecting legitimate businesses and consumers worldwide.