Anti-counterfeiting operations FAQ

• What constitutes counterfeit goods?

  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.

• How big a problem is counterfeiting today? Domestically? Globally?

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

• What are some of the dangers associated with counterfeit products?

  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.

• How extensively are UL Marks being counterfeited?

  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.

• What types of UL certified products are being counterfeited?

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

• Where do counterfeit products come from?

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

• Where are counterfeit products sold?

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

• How much counterfeit product has UL confiscated?

  Since 1995, we have assisted U.S. Customs with thousands of seizures of goods bearing counterfeit UL Marks, valued at more than $150 million.

• What happens to counterfeit products seized?

  UL has a zero tolerance policy for products bearing counterfeit UL Marks. At the discretion of U.S. Customs much of the product seized is ultimately destroyed.

• Should consumers be concerned about counterfeit products?

  Consumers should always be cautious and question products that seem to be unusually cheap, appear poorly made, or have generic packaging.

• What is UL doing to prevent counterfeit products from entering the United States?

  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.

• How do holographic labels help to minimize counterfeit UL Marks?

  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.

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

  There are five steps a manufacturer can take.

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

• Why is counterfeiting difficult to stop?

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

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

  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.

• Who is the real victim of counterfeiting? Manufacturers? Consumers? Retailers?

  Each sector 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.

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

  Possibly, however we work with legitimate retailers to keep counterfeit products off their shelves. Consumers should be cautious when shopping at deep discount stores.

• Why is UL training customs personnel? Who is paying for the training expense?

  UL is training customs personnel around the country so they can identify counterfeit UL Marks before they are released into the stream of commerce. 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.

• Does UL feel our government is aggressive in enforcing anti-counterfeiting laws? Should our laws be tougher? How does the United States compare to other countries? Canada?

  U.S. Customs is aggressive in their efforts to identify counterfeit product around the globe. However, there is always room for improvement. UL is currently working with agencies and organizations around the world to establish best practices.

• How does UL go about prosecuting? What is the protocol?

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

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

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

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