Campaign to out counterfeit tools a huge success

A campaign against counterfeit power tools launched in January is proving hugely successful, with around 40 prosecutions already in various stages across the UK.

Formed by Black & Decker, Bosch, Dewalt, Hilti, Makita and Matabo, the UK Power Tool Alliance Against Counterfeits (UKPTAAC) has gathered a raft of information that is enabling trading standards officers to extend their investigations into this fraudulent trade.

"Police and private investigations have been instigated following the receipt of information on individuals and locations where the sale of falsely branded power tools have been witnessed," said Andrew Bowden, technical manager of Makita and chairman of the Alliance.

"Our campaign is making people aware that these counterfeit tools have such poor performance and short life that the purchase is a total waste of hard earned money rather than a saving," said Bowden.

The majority of these 'fake' tools are imported legally under their own brands from the Far East. It is only when they reach the UK that fake brand labels are added.

UK PTAAC will be launching a poster campaign in May to educate and raise awareness of the problem, and any information on counterfeit sales is welcomed at the Alliance hotline on 01908 214003.