Health alerts issued in Colombia and Mexico reveal how contamination, counterfeiting, smuggling, and illicit trade are converging in the infant formula market. This analysis examines the implications for public health, supply chain security, corporate reputation, and regulatory compliance, highlighting the growing risks facing the infant nutrition industry across Latin America.

Perfumes and cosmetics are currently the most counterfeited products worldwide. Beyond the financial losses for brands, these products pose a public health risk, as they are often manufactured without quality controls and may contain heavy metals, bacteria, or carcinogenic substances. The phenomenon creates significant challenges for consumers, businesses, and institutions responsible for market regulation and oversight.

CIMA’s May monthly report examines the evolution of illicit trade across Latin America, highlighting corruption linked to smuggling networks, money laundering schemes involving seemingly legitimate businesses, and the growing illegal trade in pharmaceutical products. The report also reviews key regional trends, identified trafficking routes, and the most significant operational events recorded during the month.

The illegal auto parts market in Colombia has become a major threat to the automotive industry, driven by smuggling, counterfeiting, and gray-market distribution channels. With losses exceeding USD 1.2 billion and a growing volume of counterfeit components circulating through both physical and digital marketplaces, the phenomenon creates significant economic, legal, and road safety risks for importers, distributors, workshops, and consumers.

CIMA report on the main illicit trade trends in Latin America during April 2026, including smuggling, counterfeiting, and criminal networks.

A strategic analysis of how grey markets and the trade of unauthorized products in Latin America erode brand value, distort pricing, and fund organized crime. The article introduces Strategos BIP's "Triangles Strategy" as a comprehensive public-private coordination solution.