Italy is enforcing a nationwide crackdown on the sellers and buyers of counterfeit items, i.e. purses, sunglasses, watches, belts, etc with luxury labels like Prada, Gucci and Fendi. There are several reports of hefty fines imposed on tourists purchasing fake designer goods while visiting Florence, Venice, Rome and Ventimiglia.
Italy imposes fines of up to 10,000 Euros for people caught buying designer knock-offs, and criminal charges for anyone caught selling counterfeit goods. Its law against designer fakes is one of the toughest in the world.
The Italian Government Tourist Board strongly recommends that tourists do not, under any circumstance, attempt to buy designer fakes, as it may cost them well more than purchasing an authentic designer product.
