Kosovo Customs has destroyed more than 6,000 T-shirts that infringed intellectual property rights after it was determined that the products were in violation of the applicable legislation.
According to a statement from Kosovo Customs, the case began on June 2, 2026, when an importer pre-declared goods for customs clearance at the Customs Terminal in Mitrovica without specifying the trademark of the products, KosovaPress reports.
Following a risk analysis, the shipment was selected for a detailed physical and documentary inspection. During the examination, customs officials identified elements that raised suspicions of intellectual property rights violations.
Subsequently, the Intellectual Property Rights Protection Sector at Kosovo Customs contacted the rights holder, who confirmed that the goods presented for customs clearance were products that infringed protected intellectual property rights.
Based on the Law on Customs Measures for the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights, Customs suspended the release of the goods, initiated a misdemeanor procedure against the importer, and launched the procedure for the destruction of the products.
On July 8, 2026, more than 6,000 T-shirts were destroyed under the supervision of Kosovo Customs to prevent them from entering the country’s market.
Kosovo Customs stated that the case was treated as a customs offense due to suspicions of violations of the provisions of Law No. 06/L-015 on Customs Measures for the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights, as well as the provisions of the Kosovo Customs and Excise Code.
The institution reiterated that it remains committed to combating trade in counterfeit goods, protecting consumers and legitimate businesses, and ensuring fair market competition through risk-based controls and cooperation with intellectual property rights holders.