What we mean by 'fake' and 'counterfeit' goods
Fake and counterfeit goods are items that have been branded or labelled with genuine trademarks but haven't actually been made by that business.
The main issues with buying fake or counterfeit goods are:
- Poor quality
- Procedures and regulations haven't been followed - vital to making sure the end product is safe for the customer
- They don't have the same quality control procedures
- They don't come with any guarantees or after-sales service
It's not just about labelling, counterfeits can pose serious safety risks
You might think of 'counterfeits' in terms of well-known designer labels being applied to clothing, perfumes and make-up. Perhaps sportswear branded using the logo of a major football club. Actually, counterfeits have found their way into large parts of the consumer market, some of which pose serious safety risks. For example:
- Counterfeit technologies such as electrical devices, batteries and chargers have led to many house fires and pose the risk of electric shocks and burns
- Counterfeit toys have been found to contain toxic plastics
- Counterfeit alcohol has been found to contain dangerous chemicals used for industrial cleaning
How to identify fake or counterfeit goods
Here is a list of things you should check to make sure you're not buying a fake or counterfeit item.
1. Price
Fakes or counterfeits are generally much cheaper than the genuine products. If the price is too good to be true, consider that the item might be fake or counterfeit.
2. Retailer
Are they the type of reputable trader that would have been licensed by the business to sell their branded products?
Is the retailer based in the UK or is it a direct import from overseas?
Counterfeits are quite often direct imports from overseas. A co.uk address does not necessarily mean the company is based in the UK.
3. Reviews
Look at reviews before you buy. What are other customers saying about the quality of the products once they receive them?
4. Quality
Once you have received your purchase, you will usually be able to tell from the quality of the product:
- Clothing logos are likely to flake or discolour in the wash
- Products may shrink or fade, and will generally feel cheap
- Dyes may leave marks on your furniture
- Perfumes and aftershaves may have been watered down, causing the smell to fade quickly
- Make-up, perfumes and aftershaves may contain chemicals that cause allergic reactions, burns or skin irritation and rashes
- Check if your electrical items have CE or UKCA marking
- Electrical items should have a three-pin plug (unless it is a shaver or toothbrush) - once in use, look out for signs such as chargers overheating
5. Trademark
If you have any concerns about a product you've bought, contact the trademark holder who should be able to identify whether it is a genuine product made by them.
You can search for a trademark owner on the GOV.UK website.
6. Place of sale
The sale of counterfeits has evolved over the years. Rather than just being available out the back of a van or on a market stall, counterfeits are also now sold on online selling platforms, websites and social media.
How to report fake or counterfeit goods
Contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service to report someone you know or suspect is making or selling counterfeit goods.
The Citizens Advice Consumer Service shares the information with our Trading Standards team. Citizens Advice can also provide you with free and confidential advice on your consumer rights.
Alternatively, you can contact Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
You can remain anonymous during both reporting methods if you wish.
Implications of buying fake or counterfeit goods
There are other implications to buying fake or counterfeit goods besides health and safety.
According to Crimestoppers UK, buying fake goods:
- Contributes to 80,500 job losses every year in the UK – resulting in innocent people losing their jobs
- Contributes £9 billion annual loss to the UK economy – money that could otherwise be used to fund crucial public services
- Impacts workers’ rights around the world
- Is linked to organised crime groups – gangs complicit in human trafficking, child sexual exploitation and prostitution
Read more about fake and counterfeit goods on the Crimestoppers UK website.
The law
The main law relating to counterfeiting is the Trade Marks Act 1994. However, many of the counterfeits also pose serious safety risks which breach safety legislation such as:
Illegal tobacco
We have published information on how you can identify and report illegal tobacco: