Government questioned over risks from counterfeit goods
Clare Adamson, MSP for Central Scotland, has tabled a Motion recognising the work of Electrical Safety First and its campaign to raise awareness of online sales of counterfeit electrical products.
The Motion calls on the Government to assess and tackle the number of dangerous counterfeit electrical goods being traded online – which contribute to thousands of domestic fires, and can cause significant injuries, in Scotland each year.
Research by Electrical Safety First has found that sales of illegal, fake goods on social media are a growing trend and have increased by almost 15% in the last year – with seizures of fake mobile phones rising by over 50%.
“We are delighted that Clare Adamson has raised this issue in Holyrood and thank her for her commendation of Electrical Safety First and its work”, says Phil Buckle, Director-General of Electrical Safety First.
“There is a significant issue with counterfeit electrical products which becomes particularly pressing during the Christmas period, when people are looking for a bargain. Unlike fake designer clothes or pirate DVDs, counterfeit electrical products are often substandard and contain faulty parts, which can cause serious damage to both people and property”.
