Everyone has already encountered counterfeiting. These products, which can imitate those of major brands, are made in poor conditions, can be dangerous for health or the environment, and harm creators.

Every year in France, 8 billion euros are lost due to counterfeiting, according to a survey by the Union of Manufacturers . But that's not all: this illegal market would cause the loss of 40,000 jobs.

In addition to misleading consumers into thinking that the products are authentic, the practice therefore has harmful effects on the economy. But that's not all.

The many problems of counterfeiting

Counterfeiting has consequences…

…human

The production techniques of the counterfeit are, unsurprisingly, very problematic. Between mass production, lack of social protection, and handling of toxic products without protection, workers put their health at risk on a daily basis. Quantity obviously takes precedence over quality for resellers, who care little about the fate of the production teams.

… environmental

Chemical products used, without control, in the making of products are harmful to the environment. Discharged into water, they can infiltrate groundwater. Furthermore, certain materials used require large quantities of water. Finally, most of these products are made in developing countries and then transported to certain tourist destinations by boat or plane, two highly polluting means of transport. Finally, the products are often of poor quality. They deteriorate quickly, cannot benefit from brand repair services since they are not authentic, and are rarely recycled at the end of their life. They therefore generate significant waste.

...for buyers

Finally, buyers are also impacted by counterfeiting. Since the products do not follow current legislation or standards, people in possession of counterfeit products risk fines of up to 300,000 euros and 3 years in prison.

Fight against counterfeiting

How not to consume counterfeit products?

The majority of counterfeit items are sold online. One way to ensure the authenticity of an item is to go to the physical stores of brands or designers. However, it is also possible to limit risks online. The first thing to do is to consume on certified and secure sites. The legal notices or the URL of a site can shed light on its legitimacy. User reviews can also help verify that orders are compliant. Finally, certain peer-to-peer sales platforms set up authentication systems to ensure that the products sold there are compliant. If any doubt persists, it is always possible to check directly with the brands, who sometimes indicate on their website their history, their official suppliers, the origin of their products and their regulatory prices.

Craftsmanship, a sure value

One way to counter counterfeiting is to turn to craftsmanship. In addition to highlighting creators and their know-how , craftsmanship ensures small quantities or unique products. Mass reproducing a product then immediately proves more complicated for fraudsters. They are often the only ones to offer their products and are in direct contact with their communities, particularly via social networks. Generally concerned about their impact, artisans offer reasoned, more ecological and responsible consumption.

At Meanwhile Boutique, we are committed to presenting you with artisanal designers. They offer handmade items in their workshops, sometimes designed to order or in limited editions to reduce waste. Discover our collection of artisanal items.