Choppy waters

Singapore is the world’s largest transhipment port and arecent shipping case highlights weaknesses in the country’s enforcement efforts. NickRedfearn and Kin Wah Chow examine

Nick Redfearn, Rouse and Kin Wah Chow, Suryomurcito

Singapore has been criticised over its customs IP border protection in thepast and there are several reasons why. The country adopts a judicial systemthat means cases pass into the court system. It is not cheap to sue inSingapore and although costs and damages can be recovered, in customs casesthis is not the primary goal. Indeed, recovery of both can be challenging whenthe owner of the seized goods is not in the country, or even known, as isusually the case.