The cargo was seized in February in the port of Antwerp. The Champagne Committee then requested customs to destroy the illegal goods, which happened on Monday. “The recipient of the goods in Germany has been informed and has not challenged this decision,” said the Champagne Committee.
The customs seizure was carried out on the basis of European regulations, which consider goods that infringe a geographical indication in the member state where they are located to be counterfeit goods.
“This destruction is the result of a successful collaboration between the customs authorities and the services of the Champagne Committee,” said Charles Goemaere, managing director of the Champagne Committee. “This confirms the importance the European Union attaches to designations of origin and rewards the determination with which the Champenois see to the protection of their designation of origin. I would also like to thank Belgian customs for their vigilance with regard to the champagne name and their responsiveness.”