This resolution designates July as "National Anti-Counterfeiting and Consumer Education and Awareness Month" to highlight the economic harm and consumer safety risks posed by counterfeit goods.
Charles "Chuck" Grassley
Senator
IA
This resolution officially designates the month of July as "National Anti-Counterfeiting and Consumer Education and Awareness Month." It recognizes the significant economic harm and serious consumer safety risks posed by counterfeit goods, such as fake pharmaceuticals. The designation aims to promote public education about the dangers of buying illegal products.
Congress Designates July 2025 as National Anti-Counterfeiting Month to Combat Fake Goods and Fentanyl
This resolution is essentially Congress taking a moment to officially recognize a major problem: counterfeit goods are dangerous, and we need to talk about it more. Specifically, the Senate is designating July 2025 as "National Anti-Counterfeiting and Consumer Education and Awareness Month." While this is a non-binding resolution—meaning it doesn't create new laws or funding—it’s a major spotlight on an issue that has serious, real-world consequences for your wallet and your health.
The Economic Hit and the Fentanyl Factor
Why the big push? Because fake stuff isn't just about a cheap knock-off handbag anymore. The resolution highlights two huge problems. First, the economic damage is staggering: in 2020 alone, counterfeiting cost U.S. businesses over $200 billion annually and killed more than 750,000 jobs. That’s money that could have been used for hiring or innovation, instead going toward fighting pirates.
Second, the safety risk is terrifying. The resolution points out that counterfeit goods often skip safety standards. The most alarming example cited is the rise of fake prescription pills, with the DEA seizing 60 million of these in 2024—many of which contain deadly fentanyl. This means that if you or someone you know tries to buy what they think is a legitimate medication outside of a pharmacy, they could be risking their life. This resolution is a formal acknowledgment that this is a public health crisis, not just a brand protection issue.
What This Means for Everyday Shopping
For anyone who shops online—which is basically everyone—this resolution supports efforts to make you a savvier consumer. It affirms that federal, state, and private entities need to keep running education programs to give consumers the tools to spot fakes, whether they’re buying a phone charger, a toy, or medicine. The goal isn't just to catch the bad guys, but to reduce the demand for these illegal products by making sure people know the risks.
Think about it: Customs and Border Protection seized over 32 million counterfeit items in 2024, valued at over $5.4 billion if they had been real. That volume shows how easy it is for fake products to slip into the supply chain. By designating July 2025 for awareness, the Senate is throwing its weight behind the idea that the best defense is an informed public. While it won't change any laws, it signals to agencies like the DEA and CBP that their ongoing fight against illegal goods—especially those coming from places like China and Hong Kong, which account for over 90% of dangerous seizures—remains a top priority.