The figures for counterfeit sporting goods are alarming.
European manufacturers complain of annual losses amounting to 850 million euros – eleven percent of the industry’s turnover. Counterfeit sportswear such as soccer shirts and sports shoes cause further losses with an estimated value of 12 billion euros per year.
The Global Impact of Counterfeit Sports Apparel
Counterfeit products continue to pose a serious threat to the global apparel industry, particularly in the sportswear segment. While exact figures for counterfeit sports shirts are difficult to isolate, the broader picture is telling: according to the OECD, counterfeit goods accounted for approximately 2.5% of global trade in 2019 — a staggering $464 billion. The fashion and sportswear industries are among the hardest hit, with major brands suffering revenue loss, brand dilution, and damaged consumer trust. As demand for sports apparel continues to grow worldwide, so too does the scale of the counterfeit market — underscoring the urgent need for stronger enforcement and consumer education.
How Security Label Manufacturers Can Help Combat Counterfeit Sportswear
As counterfeit sportswear continues to flood global markets, security label manufacturers play a critical role in safeguarding brands and consumers. By developing advanced labeling technologies, they can offer robust protection that goes far beyond traditional holograms. Features such as serialized QR codes, NFC chips, UV-reactive inks, microtext, and even blockchain integration enable precise authentication and traceability throughout the entire supply chain. These smart labels allow end consumers to verify the authenticity of products in real time using their smartphones, significantly reducing the risk of unknowingly purchasing fakes. Beyond consumer protection, these technologies support brands and distributors by providing valuable data insights — including scan activity, geographic trends, and potential counterfeiting hotspots. This transforms labels into a powerful early warning system, helping brands to act swiftly against emerging threats and reinforcing trust across their global customer base.
