Fight against bogus tools is a success

A campaign against counterfeit power tools launched in January has led to about 40 prosecutions 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 fraudulent trade.

Andrew Bowden, technical manager of Makita and chairman of the alliance, said: "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.

"Our campaign is making people aware that these counterfeit tools have such poor performance and short life that the purchase is a waste of 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.

"We had a customer call us claiming that a Makita product has blown up. When we investigated we found that it was a counterfeit tool with a hairdryer motor," said Bowden.

The alliance said that counterfeit tools usually have screw-in plugs; no operating instructions; fake brand labels; and are cheaper than genuine tools.

Information on counterfeit sales is welcomed at the Alliance. For further information call the hotline on 01908 214 003.