Thread: Tourists warned over fake designer goods

Time to throw away your handbags and Rolex watches . Although the article only mentions France and Italy I wonder if it will apply to fakes from Thailand as well ?

From Times Online
August 22, 2009
Tourists warned over fake designer goods




Holidaymakers shopping for fake designer goods on the continent may find themselves facing criminal charges.
Tourists in Italy and France could be fined hundreds of thousands of pounds, or even jailed, for buying fake items, lawyers are warning.
The countries have recently introduced tougher penalties for both the sellers and buyers of counterfeit goods.
In France those caught buying fake designer clothes, sunglasses, sports gear, handbags and watches could face a fine of up to 300,000 euros (£260,000) or a three year prison sentence.
Copyright solicitor Nicholas Phillips believes many UK holidaymakers won’t be caught out until they reach the airport to go home.
He told the BBC: “The most likely thing to happen to British tourists if they walk thought customs with a counterfeit Louis Vuitton bag is customs officers will tap them on the shoulder and take it away from them.
“They will also potentially fine them twice the value of the original bag, not the fake.

How will customs know what's fake & what's not?

Will I get fined if I BF a LB by mistake??

^ No, you'll get a sore arse

Nought will happen full stop unless you are buying mass quantities to sell.

Why would you like to wear fake designer goods ?

^makes people feel posh who cant afford the real gear!

Originally Posted by Bangyai

a fine of up to 300,000 euros (£260,000) or a three year prison sentence.

The the end user gets panned and the manufacturer and seller get what punishment?.....Nothing, because its a lot easier to target joe public.

This is just another law made up by the kind of arsehole that seem to get voted in these days.

I think we sould be very concerned about buying and therefore promote fake designer goods as it's the same parallel industry who produce fake engine parts, building materials, etc who can severely threaten our lives.

Am I wrong ?