Tourists in Spain could face fines for buying fake goods on the street, experts have warned. Those who have been on holiday in popular tourist spots in Spain, such as Mallorca, Costa Del Sol and Marbella, have probably seen street sellers offering knock-off designer goods such as handbags and sunglasses. While it might seem harmless to buy them, doing so could actually land you in a bit of trouble. 

Spanish authorities have been cracking down on the sale of counterfeit goods, and this includes fines that could be dished out to people who are caught buying them. Last year, it was reported that undercover police were patrolling the streets of Costa Brava in an attempt to crack down on this illegal activity. Street sellers are the main targets of these crackdowns, but there are also fines for tourists who are caught buying things like fake bags, watches, shoes, and sunglasses. 

"Purchasing counterfeit items not only undermines the value of genuine products but also supports criminal industries," warns Danny Toffel, founder and CEO of Watches2U.

"It's crucial for people to be aware of both the legal and ethical implications of buying fake designer goods, especially when travelling abroad. Many tourists may not realise that they are contributing to criminal networks by buying these items.”

He adds: "Aside from the legal risks, counterfeit items are often made from low-quality materials that can pose safety hazards, particularly in the case of luxury watches or jewellery. 

"Genuine brands invest heavily in product safety and durability, while counterfeit goods simply don't meet those standards. Tourists could be putting their health and safety at risk by buying fake items."

He continued: "I would always recommend buying from trusted sources," he says. "Authenticity isn't just about the logo; it's about the experience of owning a high-quality product that has been crafted with care."

"The price you pay for a fake item can go beyond the initial cost. It could be a fine, a loss of the item, and potentially serious legal consequences."

In popular spots like Costa Barava, fines of €200 (£170) were given out to tourists buying fake goods. Similar laws are in place in Italy. Known as the "Legge Finanziaria," this law aims to protect the Italian fashion industry and consumers and tourists caught with fake designer items may be subject to fines.