Thousands of dangerous counterfeit car parts seized in UK crackdown

A national campaign warning of the dangers posed by counterfeit vehicle parts has taken on new urgency after more than 3,600 fake components were seized in a major Trading Standards operation in South Gloucestershire.

The discovery, valued at over £100,000, included counterfeit sensors, spark plugs, filters and wipers, all stored in a self-storage unit and packaged to look like genuine products from well-known manufacturers.

Investigators also found unused sheets of fake labels ready for use in further illegal distribution.

According to enforcement officers, the parts were cheap imitations made from inferior materials that had bypassed all safety testing, dramatically increasing the likelihood of failure and, in some cases, serious accidents.

The raid coincides with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO)’s national awareness campaign, ‘Fake Always Breaks’, which aims to highlight how counterfeit parts endanger lives and undermine the legitimate aftermarket.

The IPO’s research shows that counterfeit vehicle parts imported into the UK were worth nearly £1 billion in 2016, with the value likely far higher today.

An associated survey revealed that one in six motorists admitted to buying a fake part within the past year and, worryingly, over half knew they were doing so.

“This is a serious campaign with a very serious message,” said Miles Rees, Deputy Director of Enforcement at the IPO. “The trade in counterfeit vehicle parts not only harms legitimate traders while enriching criminals, but can also lead to life-changing or life-ending consequences for road users.”

The IPO’s findings show that many of the most frequently purchased counterfeit parts, including batteries, tyres, wipers, airbags and brake components, are also those most critical to vehicle safety.

Some motorists buy them believing there is ‘no discernible difference in appearance’ to genuine parts, while others are tempted by lower prices. But the consequences can be catastrophic.

Independent garages are being urged to play their part in tackling the issue by sourcing parts only from trusted suppliers and avoiding customer-supplied items where the origin cannot be verified.

Stuart James, Chief Executive of the Independent Garage Association (IGA), said the trade has a vital role in protecting motorists: “Garages should ensure that they avoid using customer-supplied parts and fit components from trusted, reputable distributors.

“This not only keeps vehicles safe but reassures customers that every part meets the correct standards.”

“We actively encourage any garage that identifies counterfeit parts to report them through the channels highlighted in the IPO’s advice. Together, we can contribute to safer roads for all.”

The Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police has also been heavily involved, seizing 500 fake airbags in a recent East London operation.

Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey said criminals have “no regard for the safety of the people who end up using these products,” warning that counterfeit airbags may fail to deploy or activate unexpectedly.

Eight major car manufacturers supported the South Gloucestershire investigation, including Toyota and Stellantis, alongside the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said collaboration is essential: “The automotive industry invests billions to ensure that genuine parts are safe, reliable and built to last.

“Counterfeit components not only endanger motorists but also harm the environment and damage the reputation of legitimate businesses.”

Have you come across counterfeit parts in your workshop, or spotted warning signs when sourcing components? Share your experience in the comments below.