Thursday, the State Secretary Werner Gatzer presented the annual statistics of the Federal Customs Administration for the year 2009. The economic loss caused by piracy is estimated at 30 billion euros annually. Fake products are deemed harmful as they eventually cost jobs in Germany. Due to plagiarism/piracy, an estimated 70,000 jobs in Germany have been lost, said the State Secretary.

The fight against piracy is the focus of the work of customs. Pirate products are ranging from watches, mobile phones and MP3 players to exotic souvenirs. Individuals who are bringing these goods for personal use and do not trade them should not be afraid of any action against them. Companies dealing in pirated products are the main concern of customs.