u 6-7 December 2018 took place in Brussels, Belgiumthe 15th meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Working Group on Counterfeiting and Piracy. Established in October 2009, this working group brings together WCO members, the private sector and international organizations to share experiences in the eradication of this growing scourge. The importance of intellectual property for the national economy is increasing. Unfortunately, the activities of the infringers are also so. counterfeiting and piracy remain millennia-old practices, which are an integral part of the development of economic trade.

The fight against counterfeiting and piracy has an increasing impact on society and is therefore of crucial concern to customs administrations around the world.

At the start of the meeting, Benin, through its representative, Inspector of Customs Maurice Emiola ADEFALOU, was unanimously elected Chairman of the Group for a term of one (01) year.

In the course of his work, various topics were discussed, namely capacity-building activities organized by the WCO and its members, the link between organized crime and counterfeiting, challenges related to e-commerce, the opportunities offered to customs by block chains and the destruction of seized products.

In addition, a fairly enriching discussion was opened by members on the need for a revision of the working group's terms of reference.

Finally, during its work, the group received a visit from the Secretary General of the WCO Dr Kuniyo MIKURYA.