PHILADELPHIA: Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the USA have seized 5,657 counterfeit vehicle parts valued at AUD$400,000.
The shipment included vehicle door locks, hinges, powered mirrors, steering wheel switches, headlights and taillights, grills, rear bumpers, and paint kits.
A media release from the CBP detailed the the impact of the seizure.
Distracted drivers aren’t the only vehicle threats on our nation’s highways. Count the proliferation of counterfeit vehicle parts as potential safety hazards too.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Philadelphia seized a counterfeit Chinese cache of vehicle parts on July 14 that were destined to an address in Feasterville-Trevose, Pa.
“Unscrupulous repair shops and greedy internet vendors that value profits over safety place motorists in severe peril,” said Keith Fleming, CBP’s Acting Director of Field Operations in Baltimore.
“Customs and Border Protection officers will continue to intercept counterfeited or pirated goods because we want consumers to be confident in knowing that the products that they purchase are safe for themselves and their families.
“CBP encourages consumers to protect themselves and their families by always purchasing safe, authentic goods from reputable vendors.”
In Australia, Genuine is Best and the automotive industry work closely with Australian Border Force to train frontline officers in the recognition and seizure of counterfeit vehicle parts.
Counterfeit spark plugs capable of causing massive engine damage were among the most recent part added to the list of fakes encountered by Genuine is Best.
Other dangerous parts include counterfeit oil filters that do not filter oil, wheels that shatter in low-speed pothole impacts, brake components containing asbestos and in one case, brake pads made of compressed grass clippings.
Australian motorists who suspect they have been sold a counterfeit part should submit a report for investigation at https://genuineisbest.com.au/report-suspicious-parts