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

  • Statement by ECAO Executive Director, Graeme Aitken on Tariffs

    Statement by ECAO Executive Director, Graeme Aitken on Tariffs

    February 7, 2025 ECAO posted the following statement from Executive Director, Graeme Aitken on their website regarding potential U.S. Tariffs: For almost 80 years, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Ontario (ECAO) has served and represented the interests of Ontario’s industry-leading, unionized electrical contractors. Over those many decades, ECAO has stepped up during times of challenge… Read More…

  • Rigid PVC Conduit vs. ENT in High-Rise and Multi-Use Applications

    Rigid PVC Conduit vs. ENT in High-Rise and Multi-Use Applications

    February 7, 2025 By Phil Crangi Choosing the right high-rise construction conduit can significantly impact project efficiency and costs. While rigid PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) conduit may have a lower upfront cost, ENT (Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing) offers more significant advantages due to its long-term labor savings and installation efficiency. ENT and fittings form an integrated system… Read More…

  • EFC Tariff Response: Advocating for Free Trade

    EFC Tariff Response: Advocating for Free Trade

    February 7, 2025 STATEMENT FROM CAROL MCGLOGAN, PRESIDENT & CEO, ELECTRO-FEDERATION CANADA ON U.S. TARIFFS Electro-Federation Canada (EFC), representing Canada’s electrical and automation industry, strongly opposes the recent tariffs announced (an subsequently delayed) by President Trump on Canadian imports. These tariffs threaten to disrupt North American supply chains, increase costs for businesses and consumers, and… Read More…

  • The ‘Prosumer’: Taking an Active Role in Electricity Management & Generation

    The ‘Prosumer’: Taking an Active Role in Electricity Management & Generation

     “For us, a prosumer is an active homeowner or building owner who manages and distributes their electrical load to optimize energy use in their home or business,” explains Schneider Electric’s David O’Reilly, Vice President of the Home & Commercial Solutions Division. Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Westburne Canada Announces Promotion of Anshul Mathur to President

    Westburne Canada Announces Promotion of Anshul Mathur to President

    February 7, 2025 Rexel has announced the promotion of Anshul Mathur to the position of President, Westburne Canada, effective March 31, 2025. This transition will include a two-month handover period to ensure a seamless transfer of responsibilities. Anshul joined the Rexel Canada team on July 18, 2011, as a Business Development Account Manager at Westburne…. Read More…

  • Leviton Announces Extended Partnership with Salex for the Ottawa Market

    Leviton Announces Extended Partnership with Salex for the Ottawa Market

    February 7, 2025 Levtion are excited to announce the expansion of their long-standing partnership with Salex into the Ottawa region. “I’m very excited to bring our expertise and solutions to the Ottawa market with Salex. Together, we have demonstrated that our mutual capabilities, solutions, and experience are unrivalled. I look forward to supporting and growing… Read More…

  • AEA Congratulates Leanne Walker for Emerging Leader Award at 2024 AEA Industry Awards

    AEA Congratulates Leanne Walker for Emerging Leader Award at 2024 AEA Industry Awards

    February 7, 2025 Congratulations to Leanne Walker at EECOL Electric for receiving Alberta Electrical Alliance’s Emerging Leader award at their 2024 AEA Industry Awards. View the AEA LinkedIn post on the announcement: Read More…

  • EB Horsman Campbell River’s New Building is Now Open

    EB Horsman Campbell River’s New Building is Now Open

    February 7, 2025 EB Horsman & Son is thrilled to announce that EB Horsman & Son Campbell River has officially opened the doors to it’s new building at 904 Ironwood Street, Campbell River, B.C. V9W 5K7. This move represents an exciting new chapter as EB celebrates 55 years of dedicated service to the community. Located just across the… Read More…