Trade unpacked episode 5 | e-commerce and counterfeit

2026-01-19

E-commerce has fundamentally transformed global trade but it has also created new challenges for regulators and businesses alike. In this episode of Trade Unpacked, we explore how the explosive growth of e-commerce has led the European Union to introduce a proposed €3 handling fee per parcel, and what this means in practice for companies operating in or trading with the EU. Beyond taxation, e-commerce, particularly high-volume imports from China, has significantly increased the number of non-compliant and c...

E-commerce has fundamentally transformed global trade but it has also created new challenges for regulators and businesses alike.

In this episode of Trade Unpacked, we explore how the explosive growth of e-commerce has led the European Union to introduce a proposed €3 handling fee per parcel, and what this means in practice for companies operating in or trading with the EU.

Beyond taxation, e-commerce, particularly high-volume imports from China, has significantly increased the number of non-compliant and counterfeit products entering the European market. How serious is the problem? And how are authorities and businesses responding?

Our host Julie Deré from ICC Belgium is joined by two leading experts:

Kristian Vanderwaeren, Head of Belgian Customs and Chair of the foundation No to Counterfeiting and Piracy (NANAC)
Alexander Baert, Partner at Deloitte Legal

Together, they share first-hand insights into enforcement, compliance risks, and practical strategies to tackle counterfeiting in today’s e-commerce-driven trade environment.

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