Counterfeit clothing imports into South Africa has seen the domestic clothing and textile industry suffer tremendously.
More recently the industry has also been hit by the import of second-hand clothing, which has become available for resale on the market.
Customs officials intercepted four consignments of suspected counterfeit import goods with a combined value of R20.5 million. Goods included Nike sneakers imported from Hong Kong, and Louis Vuitton bags, Gucci dresses and ladies’ Polo and Chanel-branded shoes imported from China.
Customs investigations said they would continue to investigate. “Once we have assessed the risk at border posts, we will focus on strategy and capacity planning at non-designated ports.”