The growth of e-commerce has expanded opportunities for consumers and businesses, but it has also created new channels for counterfeit, non-compliant and unsafe goods to reach markets worldwide.
Countering Illicit Trade in Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces have transformed global trade but are increasingly exploited for the trade in counterfeit, non-compliant and unsafe goods. OECD work supports governments, platforms and rights holders in developing evidence-based, voluntary approaches to strengthen trust, transparency and enforcement in online markets.
Key messages
Recent OECD estimates show that counterfeit goods represented approximately USD 467 billion in global trade in 2021, highlighting the scale and persistence of illicit trade flows.
The rise of low-value parcels linked to e-commerce places pressure on customs and border agencies, making the detection of illicit goods more difficult.
Collaboration between governments, online marketplaces, rights holders and other stakeholders can help prevent the sale of illicit goods while supporting innovation and legitimate trade.
The cross-border nature of online marketplaces requires coordinated international responses, information sharing and the exchange of best practices to combat illicit trade effectively.
Context
Counterfeit goods accounted for USD 467 billion of global imports in 2021
Counterfeit trade remains a major global challenge despite a slight decline in its share of world imports. OECD analysis shows that the value of counterfeit goods traded internationally reached approximately USD 467 billion in 2021.
Small parcels are increasingly used to ship counterfeit goods
Counterfeiters increasingly exploit e-commerce distribution channels and de minimis thresholds. Small shipments accounted for 79% of seizures in 2020-21, up from 61% in 2017-19.
E-commerce growth has increased the importance of mail and express courier channels in counterfeit trade
Online shopping relies heavily on mail and express courier services, which have become important delivery channels for counterfeit and other illicit goods. By shipping products in small parcels rather than large consignments, counterfeiters can reduce the likelihood of detection and take advantage of the high volume of e-commerce shipments crossing borders every day.
