Food retailers Metro C&C, Auchan, Silpo, Novus and Billa have asked Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman and Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Andriy Parubiy to support government’s bill No. 4614 introducing parallel imports. According to a letter of the retailers, parallel import foresees import of original goods in parallel with import of products of the right holder and distributors.
“Under the model of parallel import, consumers will have access to lower prices… In this regard, the adoption of bill No. 4614 will improve the level of competition and ensure free trade in the original goods on the customs territory of Ukraine,” CEO of Metro Cash & Carry Ukraine Olivier Langlet said.
According to the explanatory note to the bill posted on the parliament’s website, it is proposed to expand the list of objects of intellectual property rights that are protected after importation into the customs territory of Ukraine, adding the item “brand names.”
In addition, the bill changes the definition of counterfeit goods. In this category, it is proposed to place goods that violate trademark rights and pirated goods (illegal copies of copyrighted goods). The customs clearance of these goods will be suspended at the border.
According to the explanatory note, measures to protect intellectual property rights will not apply to “parallel imports” and to goods moving across the customs border of Ukraine in transit.
