Panaji, Dec 16 (IANS): Jaspal Singh IPS, Director General of Police, Goa informed that awareness is the first step towards enforcement as the problem of trade in illicit products emanates from the lack of awareness.

Counterfeiting and smuggling have developed into a substantial threat to the economy globally, this is the biggest challenge and needs to be addressed at a priority with effective enforcement of laws as a key to curb the menace.

FICCI's Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (CASCADE) organised a ‘Capacity Building Programme for Police Officers on Prevention of Counterfeiting and Smuggling' in Goa today.

While giving an overview on socio-economic impact of counterfeiting and smuggling, Deep Chand IPS, Advisor, FICCI CASCADE and Former Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi, said: "Lack of stringent enforcement, weak surveillance and weak regulatory framework are the main factors responsible for illicit trade."

He said that the wider social, investment and criminal enforcement costs due to smuggling and counterfeiting could touch $4.2 trillion putting at risk 5.4 million legitimate jobs.

He further stated that as per the FICCI CASCADE's recent report titled "Illicit Markets: A Threat to Our National Interests", the unlawful trade in the five key industries (Mobile Phones, FMCG-Household and Personal Goods, FMCG-Packaged Foods, Tobacco Products, and Alcoholic Beverages) results in a total estimated legitimate employment loss of Rs 15.96 lakh. The estimated size of illicit market was Rs 2,60,094 crore for the year 2019-20 and the tax loss to the government in these industries was Rs 58,521 crore, with two highly regulated and taxed industries, tobacco products, and alcoholic beverages, accounting for nearly 49 per cent of the overall tax loss.

Pradeep Dixit, Executive Vice President, Industry Affairs, ITC Ltd., said: "India is the 4th largest and fastest growing market for smuggling of illegal cigarettes, which calls for heightened awareness and sensitization of people in the society."

Generating mass awareness amongst the consumers is an important mean to curtail the hazards of growing illicit trade, added Dixit.

Ashish Sawant, Assistant Manager, Global Brand Protection, APAC Region, Johnson & Johnson said: "Counterfeit products have a detrimental impact on both the manufacturers and consumers."

It poses severe risk to company's reputation, brand image and negatively affect the consumers' confidence in the global market.

It also affects businesses and consumers alike by sowing mistrust in genuine products made by reputable brands, he added.

FICCI CASCADE has been over the years working closely with government, industry, enforcement officials, legal fraternity, consumer organisations and the youth to create awareness on the adverse impact of the problem of counterfeiting and smuggling.

Among other activities, FICCI CASCADE has been regularly engaging with law enforcement agencies including police, customs and paramilitary organisations engaged in border protection in sensitising them on the gravity of the problem.