Core Viewpoint - The establishment of the World Small Commodity Federation marks a significant milestone in promoting the global trade of Chinese small commodities, transitioning from a traditional "individual efforts" model to a new phase of "collaborative development and resource sharing" [1][4][9]. Group 1: Industry Challenges and Opportunities - The global economic landscape is undergoing profound changes, with rising unilateralism and trade protectionism posing new challenges to traditional trade flows [3]. - The small commodity industry faces pressures from rising costs, homogenized competition, and shrinking traditional channels, while also encountering historic opportunities driven by a new wave of technological revolution [4][9]. - The industry is shifting from a focus on "cheap and good quality" to a new track centered on standard-setting, technological innovation, and brand building [4][14]. Group 2: Federation's Structure and Functions - The World Small Commodity Federation is initiated by industry organizations and leading enterprises from Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau, aiming to integrate global small commodity industry resources [9][10]. - The federation has established a clear governance structure with a four-tier system to ensure scientific decision-making and efficient execution [10]. - It will perform nine core functions, including representation, information sharing, standard-setting, and market expansion, to facilitate systematic upgrades in the industry [10][13]. Group 3: Strategic Initiatives and Goals - The federation plans to implement a detailed roadmap over the next year, focusing on nine specific tasks, including drafting a five-year development strategy and launching a global small commodity industry big data platform [10][14]. - A notable initiative includes the first World Small Commodity Conference, set to be held in Hong Kong, Macau, and Yiwu, aimed at creating a global platform for small commodity exchange and cooperation [10][14]. - The federation's establishment is expected to accelerate the internationalization of Chinese small commodity standards, which are seen as a "golden key" to accessing global markets [10][13]. Group 4: Industry Impact and Expert Insights - Experts believe the federation's formation signifies a fundamental shift in the small commodity industry from "dispersed attacks" to "systematic operations," with standard-setting and technological innovation being crucial [16]. - The federation's focus on talent cultivation and digital trade innovation is expected to bridge the gap between education and industry needs, fostering a new generation of skilled professionals [16]. - The federation is positioned to become a vital link between China and the world, facilitating collaborative development in the global small commodity industry [16].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the increasing issue of counterfeit products, particularly those infringing on the intellectual property of the popular Chinese cultural brand, Pop Mart's Labubu series, as the brand gains global popularity [4][10]. Group 1: Intellectual Property Protection Efforts - In the first half of this year, Beijing Customs seized over 30,000 suspected counterfeit Pop Mart products [7]. - Since July, Beijing Customs has identified an additional 15,000 unauthorized items using the "POP MART" and "Labubu" trademarks [7]. - The customs authorities are employing advanced technology, such as CT and X-ray machines, for non-intrusive inspections to detect suspicious items [5][9]. Group 2: Trends in Counterfeiting - The popularity of Labubu has led to a surge in counterfeit products, with over 20 reported cases of infringement in June alone [4]. - Counterfeit items are being smuggled through various channels, including passenger luggage and international express shipments [7]. - The customs officials have noted a trend of counterfeit products moving overseas, disrupting local market order and affecting the sales of genuine products [10]. Group 3: Customs Procedures and Collaboration - Customs officials verify whether goods are authorized by the intellectual property rights holders before taking protective measures [9]. - Beijing Customs has established a communication bridge with enterprises, offering guidance on intellectual property customs protection [10]. - In the first five months of this year, Pop Mart's exports reached 1.69 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 405.7% [10]. Group 4: Future Outlook and Initiatives - In the first half of this year, Beijing has seen 787 new applications for intellectual property customs protection, surpassing the total for the entire previous year [11]. - The customs authority aims to enhance regulatory efficiency and service levels to better protect Chinese brands as they expand internationally [11].