60% Increase in Seizures: How the Customs Administration Is Becoming a Key Player in Intellectual Property Protection in North Macedonia

In an era of globalization and rapidly expanding trade, the protection of intellectual property (IP) rights has become a key factor for business success. In North Macedonia, the Customs Administration plays a central role in preventing the import of counterfeit goods, which not only distort the market but also cause significant economic damage[u1] . This blog outlines recent trends in IP-related seizures to provide a comprehensive overview.

According to statements [u2] and reports from the Customs Administration published in the media, the number of seizures by October 2024 increased by 60.2% compared to the same period the previous year. The Director attributes this rise to intensified controls and improved efficiency in combating illegal trade. In operations carried out during 2024–2025, the Administration reported major actions resulting in the seizure of tens of thousands of items, including over 20,000 counterfeit products such as perfumes, footwear, clothing and other goods.

Regular operational actions—mobile teams, border-crossing and airport controls—frequently lead to seizures of large shipments of clothing, watches and other luxury items. North Macedonia also actively participates in international operations and data exchange, increasing detection rates and confirming the cross-border nature of the problem. In the broader European and global context, OECD and WCO analyses show that counterfeit trade remains significant, driven by product mobility and the growth of online commerce.

Over the past 12–18 months, there has been a clear increase in seizures (around +60% in 2024), likely due to strengthened controls, better data exchange and more targeted operations. The structure of seized goods is also shifting, with a growing share of clothing, footwear, perfumes and watches, along with increased focus on tobacco, electronics and smaller individual transactions.

The current trends and the sharp rise in customs seizures demonstrate that counterfeit goods pose a growing and complex threat to businesses, the economy and consumer trust. In an environment of intensified global trade flows and increasingly aggressive illegal channels, effective IP protection is not only a legal obligation but a strategic necessity. Companies are encouraged to take a proactive approach: register their rights, cooperate closely with authorities, and invest in early-warning and verification systems. Our office remains available for professional support, analysis and practical solutions to help build a safer market and more effective protection against counterfeits.