This past week, Brett Brenner, president of the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), did an interview for the ABC affiliate in Los Angeles focusing on raising public awareness of counterfeit products. It is a segment that is well worth watching and that should be replayed in communities across the US. You can watch the segment here.
Over the last few years, the electrical industry has made a concerted effort to fight the rise of counterfeit goods. We have come a long way in educating manufacturers, distributors, government officials, and contractors on the absolute necessity for each part of the supply chain to do their part in fighting counterfeits. But, we have more work to do. Every day normal people across the United States purchase extension cords, hair dryers, and batteries not realizing that they are bringing a dangerous counterfeit device into their home. These products are becoming increasingly available in the United States, and consumers are more vulnerable now than ever before to the dangers they pose. Last year alone, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized $273 million in counterfeit goods – a 37% increase in value over the previous year.