When a Logo Deceives: European CE vs China Export
In the fast-paced global flow of goods, even a small symbol can carry significant risks. The “CE” mark, which ensures compliance with European safety standards, now has an almost identical counterpart: the “China Export” logo, which lacks any regulatory authority.
The difference lies in the spacing between the letters — a subtle visual cue that’s easy to miss. While one certifies that a product meets rigorous EU directives, the other often appears on items that have undergone no official testing or approval.
A Growing Threat: Counterfeits in Europe and Italy
According to EUIPO, the European Union Intellectual Property Office, the market for counterfeit goods in the EU is worth €121 billion, or 6.8% of total imports. Italy ranks third among OECD countries for exposure to such goods — most of them originating from China and Hong Kong. Among the top offenders are toys, electronics, and personal accessories.
This wave of counterfeit goods poses a real challenge for customs and logistics professionals, who must distinguish genuine, CE-certified products from unsafe or undocumented imports.
The Critical Role of Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders
In this complex landscape, the expertise of customs brokers and freight forwarders is more essential than ever. These professionals are the first to:
- Verify the authenticity of CE marks;
- Examine technical documentation;
- Report inconsistencies or suspicious labeling.
But to perform these checks effectively and efficiently, they increasingly rely on advanced digital tools that offer access to verified logistics infrastructure and operator data.
PortaleGenio: A Smart Compass for Safer Intermodal Logistics
This is where PortaleGenio comes in — a free WebApp designed to help businesses, customs agents and logistics professionals navigate the European intermodal system more confidently. Inside the platform, users will find:
- An interactive map covering all of Europe and the Mediterranean, showing key logistics structures like ports, interports, and rail terminals;
- Two powerful search methods: by country or by topic, using the app’s eight thematic buttons (infrastructure, routes, terminals, operators, companies, etc.);
- A hover function that displays location names in real-time;
- A sidebar menu for navigation, multilingual access (ITA/ENG), advanced search, and simplified browsing.
This design makes PortaleGenio an essential ally for monitoring goods movement, verifying the reliability of logistics hubs, and planning alternate routes in case of regulatory or compliance issues.
Try the WebApp today: www.portalegenio.it/chek-user-registration-webapp
Need support? Contact us at: info@portalegenio.it
Not All “CE” Labels Are Created Equal
The misuse of the CE mark — especially when confused with China Export — is more than just a fraud: it’s a threat to consumer safety, fair competition, and the integrity of the European logistics system.
What’s needed is:
- Stronger training for logistics and customs professionals;
- Widespread use of reliable, real-time tools for merchandise verification;
- Greater collaboration between businesses, institutions, and digital platforms.
PortaleGenio: Transparency, Real-Time Data, and Smarter Decisions
In today’s fast-evolving intermodal landscape, PortaleGenio isn’t just a database — it’s a decision-making platform. Whether you’re planning an international shipment or inspecting a product’s route, the app helps you:
- Identify who operates within a specific port or terminal;
- Understand the technical specifications of key infrastructure;
- Explore connections and routes for smarter, safer logistics.
Whether you’re a freight forwarder, customs agent or import/export manager, PortaleGenio empowers you to make more informed decisions — quickly and reliably.