Archive · 21 May 2025
Kerala Minister Calls for United Front Against Illicit Trade
Imagine sneaky people selling fake or smuggled goods – that's illicit trade.
A meeting in Kerala discussed how to stop this, because it hurts the economy and government.
The minister in charge wants everyone to work together.
They plan to use technology, like special codes on products and drones to watch for illegal activities.
Illicit trade makes up a big chunk of global trade.
The speakers also said that as more people have money and want to buy things, it creates a chance for fake goods to thrive, highlighting the need for a combined effort to combat it.
Kerala's Law, Industries, and Coir Minister emphasized the need to combat illicit trade.
The seminar was organized by FICCI CASCADE.
Illicit trade accounts for nearly 10% of global trade.
The government plans to use technology to fight illicit activities, including drones and QR-coded packaging.
Speakers highlighted how illicit trade impacts industries and erodes government revenue.
- Who
- P. Rajeeve, A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish, P.C. Jha, Deep Chand, M.I. Sahadulla, T. Tiju, Arul R.B. Krishna, and Kalliyoor Sasi.
- What
- A seminar on ‘Proactive Approaches to Combat Counterfeiting and Smuggling’ to address illicit trade.
- When
- Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
- Where
- Kerala, India
- Why
- Illicit markets exploit cost arbitrage and regulatory gaps to meet unfulfilled demand, driven by rising incomes, urbanization, and greater access to education.
- Event
- Seminar on Counterfeiting and Smuggling
- Organized By
- FICCI CASCADE
- Key Speakers
- P. Rajeeve, A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish, and P.C. Jha
- Illicit Trade Percentage (Global)
- 10%
- Government Strategy
- Stricter enforcement, technological interventions, consumer education, and drone surveillance.