MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on tackling the online sale of counterfeit food products

1.7.2016

pursuant to Rule 133 of the Rules of Procedure

Aldo Patriciello

B8-0956/2016

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on tackling the online sale of counterfeit food products

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to Commission Communication COM(2010)341/03,

–  having regard to Rule 133 of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  whereas geographical indications for agricultural and food products have been part of EU development policy since 1992;

B.  whereas PDO and PGI products, the result of a unique combination of human and environmental factors, represent excellence in European agri-food production, and hard and fast rules have thus been established to protect the sector and banish unfair practices;

C.  whereas an ever-increasing number of people now prefer to buy PDO and PGI products online, where the biggest risk is encountering low-quality products;

D.  whereas some online companies and businesses operating in the sector have recently concluded agreements with a view to tackling the online sale of counterfeit food products, which may be harmful to human health;

1.  Calls on the Commission to conclude agreements with online businesses that specialise in protecting brands, with a view to tackling the unfair practice of selling counterfeit agri-food products online, which may have implications for the economy and for human health.