Customs officers from the Burgas Customs Territorial Directorate have detained 16,995 wristwatches found to be imitating the industrial design of a globally recognized trademark. The discovery was made during a detailed customs inspection of a container arriving from China and destined for Turkey.
The container, which arrived by sea at the Port of Burgas, was scheduled to continue its journey by truck to Turkey. Following a risk analysis, officers from the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Department selected it for a comprehensive inspection.
Upon examination, officials discovered the large batch of mechanical wristwatches bearing designs identical to those of a protected global brand. The goods were found among other declared items and were immediately detained in accordance with European Union Regulation (EU) No. 608/2013, which governs the protection of intellectual property rights.
According to authorities, the legitimate trademark owner was notified and confirmed that the wristwatches infringed upon their industrial design rights. As a result, the counterfeit goods are now subject to destruction under customs control, with costs to be borne by the rights holder.
The operation highlights Bulgaria’s ongoing efforts to curb the trade and transit of counterfeit goods, which not only undermine brand integrity but also pose potential risks to consumers. Counterfeit wristwatches often fail to meet quality and safety standards, making them both unreliable and potentially hazardous.
Since the start of the year, customs officers under the Burgas Customs Department have detained nearly one million commercial items suspected of violating intellectual property rights. These seizures form part of a broader campaign to combat counterfeit trade routes passing through Bulgaria, a key transit hub between Asia and Europe.
Officials emphasized that the seizures are not only about protecting brand owners but also about ensuring that counterfeit goods do not reach unsuspecting consumers. “Each detained shipment helps safeguard both the economy and consumer trust,” said a customs spokesperson.
The Burgas Customs Directorate continues to strengthen its enforcement measures through data-driven risk analysis and inter-agency cooperation. These efforts align with the EU’s broader initiative to uphold fair competition, secure supply chains, and maintain high standards of product authenticity within the European market.
The recent seizure serves as another reminder of the growing sophistication of counterfeit networks operating across international borders and the importance of constant vigilance by customs authorities.
With ongoing cooperation between customs administrations, intellectual property holders, and international partners, Bulgaria remains firmly committed to combating the illegal trade of counterfeit goods and protecting both market integrity and consumer welfare.