Counterfeit goods face destruction

Buying counterfeit goods and receiving them in the post is about to end with customs getting powers to burn them almost on the spot, while they will be able to destroy larger quantities without getting a court order.

Clothing and other goods that have the trade mark of a well-known brand — even if it is only similar to the brand mark — will be confiscated too. And any chips designed to get around devices to let them play illegal games, for instance, will also be taken and destroyed.

Travellers, too, will need to be careful how much of any suspected counterfeit good they bring home. If officials think a person plans to sell the goods, they can take them.