Trading Standards are again asking traders at this year’s Appleby Horse Fair to check that the goods they sell are genuine and safe for consumers.
Counterfeit goods, including counterfeit alcohol, tobacco, vapes, perfumes, cosmetics and branded electrical items, not only infringe registered trademarks, but can also pose a risk to consumer safety, according to Westmorland and Furness Council’s Trading Standards manager, Catherine Hornby.
“Last year trading standards officers seized counterfeit goods worth more than £500,000 at the Fair. The items included 2,500 pairs of sunglasses and nearly 200 bottles of perfume with counterfeit Cartier, Fendi, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Dior trademarks.
“The risk of serious harm from counterfeit goods such as sunglasses that don’t provide full UV protection, or from untested cosmetics, perfumes and electrical goods are obvious. Our message to traders and consumers is that it’s just not worth the risk,” said Catherine.
"Consumers are often not aware of the health risks involved in using counterfeit items. At best you will waste your money on a sub-standard product, at worst you may purchase something that is harmful.
“Counterfeit items are unregulated, and the counterfeiters have no regard for your health and safety."
Catherine also has some advice for any traders wishing to make sure their goods are authentic. “Any trader selling goods bearing a registered trademark or brand name should try to confirm the items are genuine and can be legally sold.
“This can be done by purchasing goods from reputable suppliers, obtaining written assurances that goods are genuine and contacting the relevant brand holder to check that goods are described accurately.
“Toys and electrical goods should also be marked with the name and address of the manufacturer, have a serial or model number and carry the UKCA or CE mark, which offers an assurance of authenticity, quality and safety for consumers.”
If you are concerned about counterfeit, or unsafe goods please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service, in confidence or anonymously, on 0808 223 1133.
