IFPI statement in response to publication of EU Customs seizures figures from the European Commission

LONDON, UK (IFPI) - 'The 172% increase in the seizure of pirate discs (CDs, DVDs and software) at EU Borders compared to 2002 demonstrates the huge scale of the piracy problem facing the creative industries. In total almost 33 million pirate discs were intercepted by Customs officials in 2003, accounting for 35% of the total number of counterfeit and pirate goods seized at EU Borders.
Newly released figures from the European Commission also show that EU Customs seized in excess of 16 million pirate discs in the first three quarters of 2004.

The recording industry is particularly concerned by the large quantities of pirate discs originating from Eastern Europe and Asia. There was an alarming increase in the number of pirate discs coming from Russia and Pakistan, which coincides with a rise in the number of illegal CD plants in these two countries.

Frances Moore, IFPI's Regional Director for Europe, said: 'The recording industry calls on EU Member States to increase their vigilance at the Borders of the enlarged EU. We need a strong political commitment to help combat the piracy epidemic that is seriously undermining the competitiveness of the European creative industries.'