Beware of the dangers of counterfeit goods

May 21, 2015

The CCPC plays an active role in ensuring that non-food consumer products placed on the Irish market do not pose a risk to consumers. In July 2014, we received information from a consumer in Cork, who had purchased what he believed to be an Apple charger from a local phone shop. Just after it was plugged in, the charger overheated, causing smoke damage to the phone and surrounding area. The plug was marked with the usual Apple logo and the words “Designed by Apple in California”; however, the plug appeared to be a counterfeit as the word ‘designed‘ was misspelt.

While counterfeit items might, on the face of it, look like a bargain they often fail to reach required safety standards and, as in this case, they can be very dangerous.

We have an extensive role in relation to the safety of products but it is An Garda Síochána who are responsible for tackling counterfeit goods so we contacted them to inform them of the case. The local Gardaí, working with Apple, successfully took a case against the retailer and the retailer was this week convicted of two breaches of Section 92 of the Trade Marks Act 1996 and fined €1,000.

If you come across a product that seems unsafe or if it doesn’t have a CE Mark, don’t buy it. Instead, contact us with the details of the product and where you saw it. Contact us on our website or call us on 1890 432 432.  If you suspect a product is counterfeit contact your local Garda Station or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

Return to News