Warning to Xmas Shoppers of Counterfeit Products

2 December 2005

Warning to Christmas Shoppers of Counterfeit Products

"New Zealand Consumers are being ripped off with fake or counterfeit cosmetic products sold through Internet auction web sites" says Garth Wyllie Executive Director, Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association.

A recent example was found on the Trade Me web site where a top brand product was offered for sale, however the purchaser found on delivery that the product was not genuine.

"While there may be some genuine cosmetic products available, buyers using Trade Me or other Auction web sites should use caution as the products may be counterfeit" Mr Wyllie said

"If Consumers are looking for a Christmas bargain but genuine product, then they should watch for the special offerings being made prior to through mainstream retail outlets" said Mr Wyllie

Counterfeit products are normally made up in small backyard operations in a variety of Asian countries where no safety or good manufacturing practices are followed. The product is formulated to look like the original, but not necessarily to perform the same way and ingredients used can often contain lead or banned substances such as Peanut oil which can be a serious health risk. Such ingredients are not used in genuine products and manufacturing is done top quality and safety standards.

It is illegal for traders including individual sellers in New Zealand to sell counterfeit cosmetic products as genuine under the Copyright Act, Trade Marks Act and under the Fair Trading Act. It may also breach the Crimes Act.

ENDS

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