Don’t fall victim to dangerous counterfeit goods 

Cheshire East are hoping to keep residents and their children safe this Christmas, by letting them know about the dangers of counterfeit goods.

Being well into the Christmas shopping period parents may well be feeling the pressure to buy the latest ‘must-have’ toys for their children and presents for friends and family.

Budgets are stretched and stores are selling out, so some shoppers might be tempted to look at cheaper versions available online or even on the high street. But this is also where counterfeit traders are taking advantage and cashing in.

Recently, counterfeit items such as make-up, perfumes, children’s toys and candles have been seized by Cheshire East Council’s trading standards service.

The service is warning shoppers to be on their guard that ‘sold out’ toys available on online, or bargain versions of well known brands, may not be all that they seem.

Tests on counterfeit toys and goods have revealed they could pose numerous hazards with small, loose parts, long cords or contain materials that are toxic or do not conform to fire retardant standards.  

Counterfeit make-up can contain lead, copper, mercury, arsenic or cadmium and can cause swelling, rashes, poisoning and have a toxic effect on skin and eyes. Poor quality and missing components in fake electrical goods and chargers can lead to electric shocks, fires and explosions.

Tracey Bettaney, Cheshire East Council’s regulatory services and health manager, said: “Shoppers should take a cautious approach and always do their research on the seller when uncovering what appears to be a bargain.

“Check the reviews and look for details of the name and address of the manufacturer/importer, look for the signs on a product that shows it has been manufactured to given guidelines, such as displaying appropriate warnings, is being provided with instructions and only buy from reputable traders.

“Counterfeiting operations cut corners, so their products are likely to be poor quality, with significantly shorter lifespans than those from legitimate businesses. As they do not meet required safety standards, they also put users at risk.”

A recent seizure of suspected counterfeit Jo Malone candles has raised specific safety concerns as previous tests have led to the glass casing exploding.

Possessing, offering for sale or selling counterfeit goods, or using registered trademarks on labelling or packaging without consent, can carry up to 10 years’ imprisonment.

More information and advice about buying safe goods is available from the trading standards section  or via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service consumer helpline on 0345 404 0506.

For further winter-related advice, visit winter wellbeing section. Advice can also be found on Cheshire East’s Facebook and Twitter page.

Help any vulnerable friends and neighbours, who do not have internet access, by downloading and printing information from the website.