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News Release from: BEAMA
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 24 March 2008
Electrical bodies unite against black
market
Electrical Industry Charter aims to combat the trade in counterfeits and the proliferation of products failing to comply with the appropriate standards.
For many years at the forefront in initiatives against producers of anti-counterfeit electrical products, BEAMA has joined forces with the EDA (Electrical Distributors Association), ECA (Electrical Contractors Association) and Select (Scotland's trade association for the electrical, electronics and communications systems industry) to create a charter in the fight to combat the "trade" in counterfeits, and the proliferation of products failing to comply with the appropriate standards At an industry event, the presidents of the four major associations signed-up to the charter, which commits their members to refuse to trade in counterfeit or noncompliant products
The aim is to drive these dangerous or substandard products from the UK market.
The electrical industry sees the charter as a major move forwards in combating the counterfeiters - a unified front encompassing the associations working together on practical and effective solutions to stem the threat from counterfeit and noncompliant electrical products.
It also aims to control the spread of those products not conforming to recognised standards in the marketplace.
According to BEAMA CEO Dave Dossett: "Counterfeiting isn't restricted to producing forged Cup Final tickets and bank notes - it affects all sectors".
"The electrical products business is not immune".
"All those in the supply chain must beware - if you're offered products at 'too good to be true prices' they're likely to be inferior quality fakes or products that don't comply with the relevant standards".
"The charter confirms the electrical products industry's will to encourage the development within the marketplace of concrete actions between members of all signatories - surveillance and intelligence-led anti-counterfeiting networks, for example".
"We're sure other associations will also sign the Charter, and that eventually such a commitment could form part of contract conditions between companies".
Dossett continues: "The charter is an acknowledgement that counterfeiting continues to be a threat globally".
"It is in everyone's interests to fight against this insidious 'business'".
"The distribution of electrical products not complying with standards is a real danger to material goods, properties - and people".
"Counterfeits can cause fires - and kill".
"Well-known brands and trade marks - even certification marks - don't escape the clutches of the devious counterfeiter eager to earn a quick buck".
"Purchase only products from an authorised supplier".
"Be sure - you are responsible - if in doubt check with the brand owner/certification body".
The counterfeiting issue is receiving a further big publicity boost through the launch of a new micro-site from Voltimum, the electrical industry portal.
Counterfeit-kills.com highlights the seriousness of inferior quality, counterfeit electrical products - mainly from China - entering the UK and Europe.
Packed with advice, positive action for electrical distributors, contractors, manufacturers and specifiers to take, the site also includes the charter.
According to Voltimum UK's Managing Director, Margaret Fitzsimons: "Voltimum and its manufacturing partners recognise the seriousness of counterfeit electrical goods and fully support the Electrical Industry Charter, along with the efforts of BEAMA, ECA, Select and the EDA".
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