According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) which represents around 1,400 major and independent record companies worldwide, Recording Industry Singapore Pte Ltd (RIPS) is reminding retailers across Singapore that the sale of counterfeit CDs parallel imported from China is an offence.

The warning follows a series of police raids on retailers and a warehouse containing counterfeit CDs. The raids were prompted by a complaint lodged by RIPS.

'We have noted that some retailers have become increasingly bold in openly selling pirated music CDs originating from China as parallel imports, in spite of warnings by RIPS," says Richard Lim, Chairman of RIPS and Managing Director of Warner Music Singapore Pte Ltd.

Counterfeit CDs bear many tell-tale signs that they are infringing, such as typographical errors, track listings that do not correspond with the original album release and incorrect music publishing details.

'The police raids were certainly necessary to underscore the need for retailers to ensure they source legitimate CDs and also served to protect consumers by ensuring they are being sold genuine products,' adds Barbara Wong, General Manager of RIPS.

The CDs were, in many instances, being sold at prices comparable to legitimate albums and some customers may have been duped into believing they were buying genuine product.

The raids were undertaken by officers from the Intellectual Property Rights branch of the Criminal Investigation Department on 14 April 2010 in an island-wide sweep, covering retailers in Chinatown, Toa Payoh Central and Clementi. A warehouse was also raided and more than 3,000 pirate CDs were seized in total.

Retailers found guilty of selling infringing music can face a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to $10,000 for each counterfeit CD under Singapore’s Copyright Act.

Richard Lim adds: "The music industry in Singapore has seen a tremendous amount of consolidation in recent years as music labels and major retailers have been challenged by piracy, both online and also from the sale of pirated products. Criminal enforcement is necessary in Singapore to combat these piracy problems.

“We applaud the Singapore Police in having taken action and we hope to continue to work with the authorities to keep music piracy in check, so we can ensure a vibrant environment for the music industry to once again thrive in Singapore."