UL's Anti-Counterfeiting Program

UL's mission is public safety and we take that responsibility seriously. Because goods with counterfeit UL Marks can be hazardous, UL takes all legal steps possible to prevent products bearing a counterfeit UL Mark from entering the stream of commerce.

Because consumers, retailers, regulators, manufacturers and distributors rely on the UL Mark of safety, we've invested in building a dedicated team of professionals whose sole responsibility is to oversee the protection of UL's intellectual property. Since 1995, this team has worked with law enforcement and educated customs officials around the world about how to recognize legitimately labeled UL products as well as implementing anti-counterfeiting measures that are integrated as part of UL's labeling format.

Our zero-tolerance policy for counterfeiting has led to the development of an aggressive program to assist those protecting ports worldwide. Our program includes comprehensive training seminars, detailed enforcement manuals and reference materials, and staff dedicated to providing real time support for customs and law enforcement officials.

FAQ's

Q. What constitutes counterfeit goods?

A. Counterfeit goods are products and/or packaging that bear a UL mark without having been tested or certified by UL. A product that has not gone through UL's testing and certification process could pose significant health and safety risks to consumers.

Q. How big a problem is counterfeiting today? Domestically? Globally?

A. The costs of counterfeiting are estimated to be US$500 billion each year worldwide. The costs to the US economy are estimated to be between US$200-250 billion per year.

Q. What are some of the dangers associated with counterfeit products?

A. Dangers associated with counterfeit products vary depending on the type of product and the testing required. Products with the trusted UL Mark help to reduce the risk of fire, shock, and/or personal injury. Counterfeit products present potential safety hazards to the end-user.

Q. How extensively are UL Marks being counterfeited?

A. We estimate that a very small percentage of UL Marks are being counterfeited. However, if a consumer has questions about a specific product, they can contact us and we'll verify its authenticity.

Q. What types of UL certified products are being counterfeited?

A. Products bearing a counterfeit UL Mark are typically high-volume, low-cost items such as extension cords and power strips.

Q. Where do counterfeit products come from?

A. In our experience, most counterfeit electrical products come from China. However, counterfeits can originate anywhere, in both emerging and established markets; anywhere counterfeiters can turn a profit.

Q. Where are counterfeit products sold?

A. Typically, counterfeit products are sold through discount retailers and unconventional outlets like flea markets.

Q. How much counterfeit product has UL confiscated?

A. Since 1995, UL has assisted U.S. Customs with more than 1,300 seizures of counterfeit goods valued at more than $150 million (USD).

Q. What happens to counterfeit products seized?

A. UL has a zero tolerance policy for products bearing a counterfeit UL Mark and will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law. At the discretion of U.S. Customs much of the product seized is ultimately destroyed.

Q. Should consumers be concerned about counterfeit products?

A. Consumers should always be cautious and question products that seem to be unusually cheap, appear shoddy, or have generic packaging. If it's too good to be true, it probably is.

Q. What is UL doing to prevent counterfeit products from entering the U.S.?

A. UL actively works with U.S. Customs and law enforcement agencies, providing training, reference materials and guidebooks to help identify counterfeit product. In addition, UL maintains a hotline for law enforcement where suspicious shipments or products can be reported.

Q. How do holographic labels help to minimize counterfeit UL Marks?

A. The labels contain security features that make them expensive and difficult to duplicate. Holographic labels and other security technologies also help law enforcement officials spot counterfeit labels.

Q. How long has UL been conducting anti-counterfeiting activities?

A. As part of UL's public safety mission, the organization has been protecting the integrity of its Mark for over 110 years. Additionally, UL is the first Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) to partner with U.S. Customs.

Q. Is UL working with any other organizations to help stop counterfeiting?

A. In addition to U.S. Customs, UL works with state and local authorities, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the World Customs Organization (WCO), Interpol, the FBI, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the Electro-Federation Canada (EFC), the International Trademark Association (INTA), the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC), and various Chinese law enforcement agencies.

Q. With an increase in counterfeit goods coming into the States, how can manufacturers help to fight this problem?

A. There are five steps a manufacturer can take.

1. Know where your products/components are coming from and who is selling them to you.
2. Verify your shipment either through a source inspection or a personal vendor check.
3. Look for the name and address of the company producing the goods, which should be on the box. If there's no address, be suspicious because counterfeiters tend not to be "traceable."
4. Check the quality of packaging. Most counterfeiters often use cheap packaging.
5. Choose products that are sold through reputable distributors.

Q. Why is counterfeiting difficult to stop?

A. Counterfeiting is designed to mislead the public and all who are involved in buying and selling the product. Plus, it's hard to pinpoint where the bad product is originally made, where the shipment originates and who is responsible for exporting the product.

Q. How are counterfeit goods discovered? And how can companies/individuals report counterfeiting?

A. UL works with U.S. Customs and other law enforcement agencies to train personnel how to identify counterfeit products. If you have information about counterfeiting activities or suspicious products, please contact the U.S. Customs hotline at 1-800-ITS-FAKE (1-800-487-3253) or UL to issue a report.

Q. Who is the real victim of counterfeiting? Manufacturers? Consumers? Retailers?

A. We all are. Everyone falls prey to counterfeiters. Counterfeit goods can cause monetary loss and in some cases physical injury. We all have a joint responsibility to help stop counterfeiting.

Q. Do any stores knowingly sell counterfeit products? If yes, who?

A. Possibly, however we work with legitimate retailers to keep counterfeit products off their shelves. Consumers should be cautious when shopping at deep discount stores. If it's too good to be true, then it probably is.

Q. Why is UL training Customs agents? Who is paying for the training expense?

A. UL is training Customs agents around the country so they can identify counterfeit UL Marks before they can be purchased. UL has invested in anti-counterfeiting measures to protect the public from potential health and safety risks while preserving the integrity of the UL Mark.

Q. Do you feel our government is aggressive in enforcing anti-counterfeiting laws? Should our laws be tougher? How does the U.S. compare to other countries? Canada?

A. U.S. Customs is aggressive in their efforts to identify counterfeit product around the globe. However, there's always room for improvement. UL is currently working with Canada and a number of other countries on how to be effective in identifying counterfeit goods.

Q. How does UL go about prosecuting? What is the protocol?

A. UL has a zero tolerance policy. Any actions taken to prosecute would depend on the circumstances of the violation.

Q. How do you plan on informing manufacturers and retailers about your anti- counterfeiting capabilities?

A. Through industry and trade associations. We also notify manufacturers much the same way we are with you, with trade magazine interviews and at industry conferences. As for retailers, we have an outreach program that helps them identify counterfeit products that could pose potential safety hazards.

Q. How do you plan on addressing the issue of counterfeiting with consumers?

A. Through educational materials and seminars. And, by working in conjunction with partners and other agencies, worldwide. In addition, we'll continue working with retailers to ensure they don't sell counterfeit goods.

Q. How do your customers feel about your anti-counterfeiting program? Do they support UL's efforts? Are they getting involved? If so, how?

A. Our customers are very supportive of UL's anti-counterfeiting activities. In fact, they understand the affects counterfeiting can have on their business and are interested in knowing more about how they can protect the integrity of their brand.