Traders attending this year’s Appleby Horse Fair are urged to make sure they are selling genuine and safe items.
Last year, Trading Standards seized over £38,000-worth of counterfeit goods from the fair, including fake designer sunglasses.
Counterfeit goods – including alcohol, tobacco, vapes, perfumes, cosmetics, toys, and branded electrical items – infringe registered trademarks and can also pose serious risks to public health and safety.
Catherine Hornby, Trading Standards manager at Westmorland and Furness Council, 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 – is very real.
“Our message to traders and consumers is simple: it’s just not worth the risk.
“Consumers are often unaware of the health risks associated with counterfeit products. At best, you are wasting money on sub-standard goods; at worst, you could purchase something that is genuinely harmful.
“Counterfeit items are unregulated, and those producing them have no regard for consumer health or safety.”
Trading Standards officers encourage all traders to take the following steps to ensure the legitimacy of their goods:
- Only purchase stock from reputable and trustworthy suppliers
- Obtain written assurances that products are genuine
- Verify goods with the brand owner where possible
- Ensure items are accurately described and legally sold
For regulated goods such as toys and electrical items, traders should also check that products:
- Display the name and address of the manufacturer
- Include a serial or model number
- Carry a UKCA or CE mark, indicating safety and compliance standards
Anyone concerned about counterfeit or unsafe goods is encouraged to contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or visit the Citizens advice website at www.adviceguide.org.uk
