The Dark Side of Trade — Combating Counterfeit Electrical Products

Combating Counterfeit

 

Dec 31 2015

 

Julie Chavanne

In recent years, local, federal and international authorities have combined efforts to thwart counterfeit operations and seize illegitimate products before they enter the marketplace. According to the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC), the value of seizures related to intellectual property rights totalled US$1.22 billion in 2014.

Counterfeit products can unknowingly be used in manufacturing, military, critical infrastructure, and consumer product applications. They not only endanger the economic health of our nation but also more important, put the safety of our families, communities, and employees at risk.

In order to effectively address the issue across the electrical industry, ESFI conducted a 2014 survey to investigate perceptions regarding counterfeit electrical products as experienced by professionals. Respondents included manufacturers, distributers, contractors, and inspectors.

According to the survey, a solid majority are “extremely concerned” about counterfeit electrical products. Of the manufacturers surveyed, 63% considered counterfeit electrical products a threat to their business. Survey results showed that lighting and circuit breakers were the most frequently encountered counterfeit electrical products. Finally, one-third of survey respondents reported an encounter with a counterfeit electrical product and, even more alarming, they reported discovering an average of five counterfeits within the past 12 months.

Despite the potential danger, there is a striking disparity between the high rates of awareness about the counterfeiting issue in the electrical industry and the action taken to help combat the problem. Although more than 95% of ESFI survey respondents thought counterfeit electrical products were at least a moderate threat to public health and safety, more than half thought their company did not provide adequate training about issues related to counterfeits. Seventy-five percent of contractors reported that they do not have a process in place by which to report counterfeits if discovered. Lastly, of the subset who reported having discovered a counterfeit on the job, only half reported it to the manufacturer, the testing laboratory, or the government.

In Part 2: Identifying your best defence.

 


Julie Chavanne is Communications Director, ESFI; julie.chavanne@esfi.org. She promotes ESFI through media relations, marketing, public relations, and communications. This article was first published in the December 2015 issue of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association magazine ei.

 

 

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • SurgePure Corporation Expands into the Mid-West with New Representation Partner, Advance Electrical Agency

    SurgePure Corporation Expands into the Mid-West with New Representation Partner, Advance Electrical Agency

    August 1, 2025 SurgePure Corporation is proud to announce its new partnership with Advance Electrical Agency, who will represent the company across Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Western Ontario. Led by principals Darren Churchwell and Bob Fiesel , the Advance team is part of a well-established agency known for representing some of the most respected manufacturers in… Read More…

  • Munden Partners with Valid Manufacturing in Atlantic Canada

    Munden Partners with Valid Manufacturing in Atlantic Canada

    August 1, 2025 Munden Enterprises has announced that they are back in the custom enclosure business through a new partnership with Valid Manufacturing Ltd. Expect Canadian-made, engineered solutions for industrial, utility, transportation, wastewater, renewables, and beyond. Whether you need a bare enclosure or a fully assembled panel, Munden is here to help. Reach out to… Read More…

  • JEHS Joins Forces with NOARK to Deliver Smarter Electrical Solutions in Ontario

    JEHS Joins Forces with NOARK to Deliver Smarter Electrical Solutions in Ontario

    August 1, 2025 NOARK Electric is pleased to announce a new partnership with Cambridge, Ontario based manufacturing representitive, JEHS. This strategic collaboration will expand NOARK’s reach and customer support across Ontario and beyond, bringing reliable and innovative electrical solutions to a wider audience. With over 50 years of combined sales experience, JEHS brings a strong… Read More…

  • BC Hydro Making it Easier and More Affordable to Connect New Homes

    BC Hydro Making it Easier and More Affordable to Connect New Homes

    July 24, 2025 BC Hydro is supporting the construction of new housing developments in growing communities by advancing changes to streamline upgrades and reducing the cost of new customer connections to BC Hydro’s electricity grid. “As communities across B.C. grow, so does the need for essential housing. We are committed to ensuring we’re ready to… Read More…