The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) says Australian Border Force (ABF) training provided by its Genuine is Best initiative and Toyota Australia has played an important role in helping ABF officers disrupt the import of counterfeit vehicle parts.
According to the FCAI, an ABF representative said the training was pivotal in assisting ABF officers with identifying and seizing potential counterfeit parts. As a direct result of this training, a noticeable increase in seizures of counterfeit parts was achieved compared to the same period the previous year.
The FCAI and Toyota Australia held virtual IP rights brand protection and detection training through 2020-21 to inform ABF officers of the threat posed by counterfeit parts.
In addition, critical tools along with information for the identification of legitimate and counterfeit parts was provided to enable ABF officers to more easily differentiate goods suspected of being counterfeit before they reach Australian roads.
Tony Weber, Chief Executive of the FCAI, said the industry was committed to working with government to stem the flow of illegal and dangerous fake parts entering Australia.
“Every counterfeit vehicle part seized is a win for Australian drivers,” he said. “We are taking the fight to these counterfeit criminals and we are getting results. Our engagement with the Department of Home Affairs and the ABF is an example of the importance of an ongoing collaborative relationship between the car industry and government.”
The FCAI said counterfeit spark plugs capable of causing serious engine damage were the most recent part added to the list of fakes encountered by the Genuine is Best programme. Other dangerous parts seized in the past include counterfeit oil filters that do not filter oil, wheels that shatter in low-speed pothole impacts, brake components containing asbestos, and in one case, brake pads made of compressed grass clippings.