WASHINGTON, D.C.— David Hirschmann, President & CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC), released the following statement in response to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Report on Combatting Trafficking in Counterfeit and Pirated Goods.
“We commend the Department of Homeland Security for prioritizing solutions to counterfeit and pirated goods, which threaten public safety, jobs, and economic growth. We look forward to reviewing the report in more detail.
“Specifically, the importation of unapproved medicines can have life-threatening consequences for patients and jeopardize the safety of the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain.
“According to our research, businesses are aligned with strategies to curb the volume of counterfeiting and piracy—including innovative approaches to screening, information sharing, and strengthening public-private partnerships to maximize success.”
Today’s report demonstrates an immediate need for real-time information sharing, so counterfeit products never reach the doorsteps of global consumers. The challenge is immense, with trade-in pirated goods reaching a record of $509 billion dollars. Criminal networks profit from fakes that expose Americans to dangerous products, including illicit medicine, makeup, phone chargers, automotive parts, toys, and contact lenses.
