EU proposes jail terms for dealers of fake goods

PLANS to jail anyone found guilty of pirating or counterfeiting CDs, DVDs, fake medicines or luxury goods for profit across the EU got the go-ahead from MEPs but will be resisted by the Irish and other governments.

Ireland already has more severe legislation in place than that being proposed but says the EU should not be ruling on issues of criminal legislation. Britain and the Netherlands are in agreement with Ireland.

The proposed legislation would ensure every EU member state had a maximum penalty of at least €300,000 and or four years in jail. For less serious offences the maximum penalty includes fines of at least €100,000 and allows counterfeit goods to be seized and destroyed.

This is the first time the commission has proposed legislation in a criminal matter. Following a European Court of Justice ruling in 2005, they say they can insist on criminal sanction to ensure Community law is effectively implemented.