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More than 6000 counterfeit car parts have been seized by the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection over the past two years.

The items, branded Ford, Holden and Toyota, had an estimated value in excess of $550,000 and were manufactured in Asia.

According to a report released by the OECD and the EU's Intellectual Property Office, counterfeit goods are on the rise and now make up around 2.5 per cent of global imports.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has expressed concerns over the pirated goods.

"The gamut of fakes includes everything from bogus wheels and body panels to safety-critical components like brake pads and airbags.

"The only way to guarantee supply of genuine parts is by sourcing them through the vehicle maker's authorised supply chain and to support those repairers who insist on using the genuine article."

Ford, Toyota and Holden have all seized fake parts entering the markets from alloy rims, water pumps, wheel bearings, brake pads taillights.

A Toyota Australia spokesperson has warned that sourcing counterfeit parts could result in major safety issues on the road as made apparent during a seizure of counterfeit Toyota brake pads.

"The fake brake pads were being marketed as genuine by a local third party retailer. When tested, they were found to contain asbestos.

"At first glance the cable looks genuine, but look closely and there are some frightening inadequacies like airbag circuit terminals that should be gold-plated for maximum durability and connectivity, but aren't.

“This means there's a high likelihood of insufficient conductivity to support airbag deployment in an accident.

"Most of the counterfeit parts we have identified were supplied in fake Toyota packaging, so consumers shouldn't think that just because they see a Toyota box, bag or label that they're buying a genuine part.

The FCAI has launched a Genuine Is Best initiative to inform the industry and consumers on the safety, performance and durability benefits of genuine parts.

 

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