Over £500,000-worth of fake goods were seized at last year’s Appleby Horse Fair – and traders this year are asked to check that their products are real and safe.
Last year, Trading Standards officers seized items including 2,500 pairs of sunglasses and almost 200 bottles of perfume with counterfeit Cartier, Fendi, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Dior trademarks.
Westmorland and Furness Council’s Trading Standards manager, Catherine Hornby said: “The risk of serious harm from counterfeit goods such as sunglasses that don’t provide full UV protection, or from untested cosmetics, perfumes and electrical goods are obvious.
“Our message to traders and consumers is that it’s just not worth the risk.
“”Consumers are often not aware of the health risks involved in using counterfeit items.
“At best you will waste your money on a sub-standard product, at worst you may purchase something that is harmful.
“Counterfeit items are unregulated, and the counterfeiters have no regard for your health and safety.”
Catherine also has some advice for any traders wishing to make sure their goods are authentic.
She said: “Any trader selling goods bearing a registered trademark or brand name should try to confirm the items are genuine and can be legally sold.
“This can be done by purchasing goods from reputable suppliers, obtaining written assurances that goods are genuine and contacting the relevant brand holder to check that goods are described accurately.
“Toys and electrical goods should also be marked with the name and address of the manufacturer, have a serial or model number and carry the UKCA or CE mark, which offers an assurance of authenticity, quality and safety for consumers.”
If you are concerned about counterfeit, or unsafe goods, contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service, in confidence or anonymously, on 0808 223 1133.
