Korea seeks action against fake Samsung product sellers
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
FE Report
A section of unscrupulous local traders is marketing fake electronics and home appliances under the brand name of Samsung Electronics, outpacing the sale of the genuine Korean company products by four to five times, alleged South Korean Embassy in Dhaka.
Suk-Bum Park, South Korean ambassador in Dhaka, in a recent letter to Finance Minister AMA Muhith expressed his concern in this connection. The ambassador has sought stringent actions against the fake product sellers and others involved in marketing.
Besides, South Korea has requested the government to reduce the import duty on consumer electronics to make them cheaper at local markets.
Samsung products in Bangladesh market includes mobile phone set, consumer electronics and Information Technology products. World's one of the largest electronics manufacturers Samsung Electronics Ltd opened its branch office in Dhaka on June 26, 2009.
'We have observed that some traders selling TV, refrigerator, watch, etc using fake Samsung brand name in spite of their low-quality non-brand products. They continuously cheat Bangladeshi people, our valued customers, and it is a threat to Samsung's brand name,' reads the letter of Suk-Bum Park.
'Our market research shows that Samsung fake product sells 4-5 times more than genuine Samsung product.'
The South Korean ambassador in his letter said rampant under-invoicing is taking place due to high import duty on consumer electronics.
Currently, 89 per cent, 103 per cent and 152 per cent import duty rates are applicable on TV, refrigerator and air conditioner respectively.
The letter of the South Korean ambassador also pointed out that customs officials impose import level duties and penalties on samples of electronic products, which he requested for withdrawal.
Officials in the National Board of Revenue said they impose higher import duties on electronic items to protect local industries, while they said detecting fake manufacturers and unscrupulous traders is the responsibility of law enforcing agencies.
A section of unscrupulous local traders is marketing fake electronics and home appliances under the brand name of Samsung Electronics, outpacing the sale of the genuine Korean company products by four to five times, alleged South Korean Embassy in Dhaka.
Suk-Bum Park, South Korean ambassador in Dhaka, in a recent letter to Finance Minister AMA Muhith expressed his concern in this connection. The ambassador has sought stringent actions against the fake product sellers and others involved in marketing.
Besides, South Korea has requested the government to reduce the import duty on consumer electronics to make them cheaper at local markets.
Samsung products in Bangladesh market includes mobile phone set, consumer electronics and Information Technology products. World's one of the largest electronics manufacturers Samsung Electronics Ltd opened its branch office in Dhaka on June 26, 2009.
'We have observed that some traders selling TV, refrigerator, watch, etc using fake Samsung brand name in spite of their low-quality non-brand products. They continuously cheat Bangladeshi people, our valued customers, and it is a threat to Samsung's brand name,' reads the letter of Suk-Bum Park.
'Our market research shows that Samsung fake product sells 4-5 times more than genuine Samsung product.'
The South Korean ambassador in his letter said rampant under-invoicing is taking place due to high import duty on consumer electronics.
Currently, 89 per cent, 103 per cent and 152 per cent import duty rates are applicable on TV, refrigerator and air conditioner respectively.
The letter of the South Korean ambassador also pointed out that customs officials impose import level duties and penalties on samples of electronic products, which he requested for withdrawal.
Officials in the National Board of Revenue said they impose higher import duties on electronic items to protect local industries, while they said detecting fake manufacturers and unscrupulous traders is the responsibility of law enforcing agencies.