There is a clear link between illicit trade and other types of crime, such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, corruption, bribery and money laundering. Illicit trade damages the global economy and harms public health worldwide. All regions of the world and all industry sectors are affected.

Countering illicit trade is essential to prevent wide-ranging damaging effects, from citizens' exposure to dangerous products to loss of needed tax revenue. Risks related to the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and cash are huge and well-understood. However, the phenomenon of illicit trade is much wider and includes counterfeit goods, illicit medicines, excise goods (e.g. alcohol or tobacco), wildlife products, raw materials (e.g. oil or minerals), cultural heritage goods, waste, scrap, and industrial gases.

The damaging effects of illicit trade are wide-ranging. They are felt not only in lost government revenue but across legitimate businesses and by citizens who can be exposed to sub-standard and even dangerous products. Illicit trade results in lost jobs, reduced tax revenues, and lower profits for innovative firms, with implications for longer-term innovation and growth. Beyond direct economic damage, illicit trade poses risks for consumer health and safety, and for the environment. Illicit trade also fuels corruption and provides revenues for, and encourages the proliferation of, criminal networks.

Illicit Trade affects YOU!

Illicit products are often sub-standard, causing health problems and injuries, even proving fatal.

Counterfeit car and mechanical parts can cause accidents.

Counterfeit building materials are known to be used in the construction of power plants, with potentially disastrous consequences.

Illicit food products and drinks can contain toxic ingredients, as can cosmetics and body care products, while electrical goods can cause fires or explosions.

As for illicit medicines, they often contain the wrong amount of active ingredients (too little, too much, or none at all).

Patients across the world put their health at risk by taking fake drugs or genuine drugs that have been badly stored or that have expired. The victims are often unaware of how or why they have been affected.