Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Finance the normal procedure in cases similar to the seizure of goods and accessories in the possession of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55053/12]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that on 29 November 2012 the person concerned was stopped by a Revenue Customs Officer in the Customs Blue Channel at Dublin Airport. The person had arrived in Dublin on a flight from Istanbul having started her journey in China. As a traveller from a non-EU country, the person should not have attempted to exit the baggage hall by way of the Blue Channel. This is reserved for intra-EU travellers who have no declaration to make. Travellers from outside the EU must use the Red (Goods to declare) or Green (No Goods to Declare) Customs Channel, as appropriate, and there are notices on display in the area indicating this requirement. On examining the person’s baggage, the Revenue Customs Officer discovered 25 well known branded handbags, 14 designer branded belts and 16 make-up sets. The officer suspected that the goods in question were counterfeit and detained them under section 7 of the Customs & Excise (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1988.

On 1 December 2012, having received confirmation from the relevant right holders (brand owners) that the goods are counterfeit, the Revenue Customs Officer seized the goods under the Customs Acts as they are prohibited from import into the EU. Furthermore, the person concerned has committed a Customs offence by attempting to import the goods. The normal procedure in such cases is for a report of the offence to be prepared and forwarded to its Investigations and Prosecutions Division for consideration of prosecution, and this is now happening. Without prejudice to any further action that may be taken, I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the re-exportation of counterfeit goods is not an option under current legislation, and it is likely the goods will be destroyed when the outcome of the case is finally determined.