Italian counterfeit pesticide deal

Italian police have agreed a deal to combat counterfeit chemicals, including pesticides, with the national chemical industry body, the Federchimica. It notes that the agreement on co-ordinating controls is the first deal between the national police and an industry association. The Federchimica estimates the counterfeit pesticide industry as accounting for 4% of the national market, or €30 million ($45 million). Association president Giorgio Squinzi welcomes the deal. “We believe this agreement will develop effective action against crimes, and raise awareness of such crimes that harm consumers, businesses and the nation.” The police have seized almost €50 million ($75 million) of “illegal chemical cosmetic and pesticide products” in the past three years.