Fake auto parts worth Dh3m seized in Dubai

Dubai; Acting on a tip-off, the Dubai government confiscated more than 60,000 fake auto parts worth Dh3 million. Most of the parts were duplicates of major Japanese brands, the Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector in the Department of Economic Development (DED) announced on Sunday.

The seizure of 64,246 items was part of CCCP’s efforts to protect intellectual property and trademarks as well as to enhance Dubai’s reputation as a robust market and commercial hub.

While the counterfeit parts included those of major brands such as Toyota, Nissan and Mitsubishi, the CCCP team also confiscated 16,000 posters with forged logos of the duplicated brands, and a special device used to print such logos.

Abdullah Al Shehi, Director of CCCP Sector, said: “The recent seizure of counterfeit auto parts is our largest so far and came after intense follow-up of consumer complaints, field visits, and random inspection by our team. We identify the right means to detect counterfeit products by working with brand owners or their representatives in Dubai”.

Al Shehi noted that the seized parts included 27,700 air and oil filters, 4,000 bolts, 3,000 fan belts, in addition to brake systems and valves.

The items which were destroyed and the owners were fined.

Problem remains

While this raid have been considered as a good sign, the problem remains and the government should take tougher measures, Omar Shteiwi, Chairman of Brand Owner Protection Group in Dubai, told Gulf News.

“Since Dubai is the main shipment hub to the region and world countries, trading in counterfeit products is a very dangerous business that has negative consequences on consumers and business owners as well.”

Compared to the openness of the Dubai market and the number of complaints made by brand owners, this raid is still small.

He said: “While there are over 13 million containers of products coming to Dubai every year, the quantity and value of these seized fake products is quite small.”

Moreover, Al Shteiwi said that it is impossible to know the real and exact figures of counterfeit products in the market, and that there is more than what is being discovered or seized.

“It is just the tip of the iceberg.”

“Trading in fake products is really a serious issue that government should handle properly to protect intellectual property and trademarks as well as to enhance Dubai’s reputation as a robust market and commercial hub,” he added.

“CCCP keeps a tight vigil against commercial fraud of materials, goods and services, and protects trademark owners against counterfeiting through random and organised campaigns. CCCP’s efforts in this regard are part of DED’s focus on enhancing service quality and customer satisfaction through eliminating negative practices. DED also adopts transparent measures in acting against commercial fraud and implementing the relevant laws and regulations,” said Ahmad Al Awadi, Section Head of CCCP.