BEAMA: Electrical industry charter to combat counterfeiters

For many years at the forefront in initiatives against producers of anti-counterfeit electrical products, BEAMA has joined forces with the EDA (Electrical Distributors Association), ECA (Electrical Contractors Association) and SELECT (Scotland’s trade association for the electrical, electronics and communications systems industry) to create a Charter in the fight to combat the ‘trade’ in counterfeits, and the proliferation of products failing to comply with the appropriate standards.

At an industry event, the presidents of the four major associations signed-up to the Charter, which commits their members to refuse to trade in counterfeit or non-compliant products. The aim is to drive these dangerous or sub-standard products from the UK market.

The electrical industry sees the Charter as a major move forwards in combating the counterfeiters – a unified front encompassing the associations working together on practical and effective solutions to stem the threat from counterfeit and non-compliant electrical products. Also to control the spread of those products not conforming to recognised standards in the marketplace.

“BEAMA CEO Dave Dossett: “Counterfeiting isn’t restricted to producing forged Cup Final tickets and bank notes – it affects all sectors. The electrical products business is not immune. All those in the supply chain must beware - if you’re offered products at ‘too good to be true prices’ they’re likely to be inferior quality fakes or products that don’t comply with the relevant standards.

“The Charter confirms the electrical products industry’s will to encourage the development within the marketplace of concrete actions between members of all signatories – surveillance and intelligence-led anti-counterfeiting networks, for example. We’re sure other associations will also sign the Charter, and that eventually such a commitment could form part of contract conditions between companies.”

Threat
Mr Dossett continues: “The Charter is an acknowledgement that counterfeiting continues to be a threat globally. It is in everyone’s interests to fight against this insidious ‘business’. The distribution of electrical products not complying with standards is a real danger to material goods, properties – and people. Counterfeits can cause fires – and kill.

“Well-known brands and trade marks – even certification marks – don’t escape the clutches of the devious counterfeiter eager to earn a quick buck. Purchase only products from an authorised supplier. Be sure - you are responsible – if in doubt check with the brand owner/certification body.”

New Voltimum anti-counterfeit micro-site

The counterfeiting issue is receiving a further big publicity boost through the launch of a new micro-site from Voltimum, the electrical industry portal.

www.counterfeit-kills.com highlights the seriousness of inferior quality, counterfeit electrical products – mainly from China - entering the UK and Europe. Packed with advice, positive action for electrical distributors, contractors, manufacturers and specifiers to take, the site also includes the Charter.

Voltimum UK’s Managing Director, Margaret Fitzsimons:

“Voltimum and its manufacturing partners recognise the seriousness of counterfeit electrical goods and fully support the Electrical Industry Charter, along with the efforts of BEAMA, ECA, SELECT and the EDA.”


ends

Note to editors


AboutBEAMA

The BEAMA Association has been established for over 100 years, covering a range of industries in the electrical, energy, water and power related sectors.

The association still retains its prime purpose – serving members and the national industrial base as the recognised electrotechnical industry association.

BEAMA represents members’ interests in generic and specific areas within Government/Governmental organisations, UK and international standards, industry players.

BEAMA members are active in many market sectors including commercial and residential buildings and energy networks. BEAMA is a proactive trade association advising its members on relevant technology and market developments, particularly relating to the areas of product safety and sustainability.


BEAMA CEO Dave Dossett also chairs Orgalime’s anti-counterfeit taskforce

For more BEAMA information visit www.beama.org.uk

For free copies of BEAMA’s ‘Counterfeit Kills’ DVD/CD-Rom phone: 020 7793 3013; email: cac@beama.org.uk.


Media enquiries

Victor Wheeler, cerulean communication; Tel: 020 8441 2021; Fax: 020 8440 4070; victor@ceruleancom.co.uk, 124 Hadley Road, New Barnet, Hertfordshire EN5 5QP

Issued on behalf of BEAMA, Westminster Tower, 3 Albert Embankment,

London SE1 7SL. Tel: 020 7793 3000; Fax: 020 7793 3003

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