Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, 13 May 2019:  Safety science company, UL in end-April conducted a training programme for customs officials in Saudi Arabia to help the Kingdom implement an array of anti-counterfeiting solutions towards safeguarding customers from counterfeit products.

UL’s Global Security and Brand Protection team hosted the training sessions for customs officials from King Abdulaziz Airport and Jeddah Islamic Sea Port, who were briefed on the registered Marks owned by UL. During the training programme, the officials also saw counterfeit products seized in the region. UL’s team, which included Ahmad Chok, Country Manager for Saudi Arabia, and Natalie Wong, Regional Investigations Manager, advised officials on how to spot counterfeit equipment and the importance of brand protection. They explained the importance of developing and implementing solutions that halt the flow of these illegal and potentially dangerous goods.

Wong said: “UL’s Global Security and Brand Protection team works with law enforcement across the world to remove products bearing counterfeit UL Marks from the marketplace. We work closely with the authorities to identify those responsible for manufacturing and distribution of counterfeit products, and our program continues to grow and adapt to combat counterfeiting activities.” UL said its customers benefit from access to a wealth of support, knowledge and assistance, including investigation support in partnership with global law enforcement authorities and e-learning development resources to utilise in the creation of custom courses delivered through the IP Crime College (iipcic.org).

Hamid Syed

Hamid Syed, Vice President and General Manager, UL Middle East, said: “The recent anti-counterfeit training programme was an opportunity for UL’s team of highly trained experts to meet with KSA customs officers in Jeddah. Counterfeiting is a direct threat to customers, brands and the brands bottom line. We leverage our global partnerships, expertise and experience to help protect consumers, products and brand reputation.”