Parallel or "Grey" market goods are genuine products purchased in bulk at discounted rates, supposedly for onward sale through authorised outlets. However, in the grey market these goods are diverted to other regions for sale at discount prices. This trade, outside of recognised distribution channels is one of the fastest growing activities in international commerce. The effects often go unnoticed but the impact can be significant.

Legitimate Grey traders usually run well-organised businesses with the correct controls and mechanisms in place. However, there are entities that trade outside of legitimate channels, dealing in non-EEA products and 'true counterfeits'. As with all brand protection issues, technology alone will not solve the problem. It must be combined with management process support and marketplace surveillance and investigation.

Carratu helps its clients achieve best practice by carrying out due diligence on distributors, resellers, customers, end-users and the deals themselves, and by conducting periodic market surveillance to determine the extent to which product is available in the market. In addition, we can undertake periodic product purchases to test the market, and monitor the Internet.