The number of counterfeit car parts has increased in Russia. Their share has increased by more than a third, according to TKM International Consulting, which specializes in intellectual property protection.
Since 2022, the number of counterfeit and falsified products has been growing in the automotive market, and now it significantly exceeds the figures of the pre-sanction period, said Alexander Kovin, Development Director of TKM International Consulting. Over three years, the company seized more than half a million fake auto components. In 2022, there were 130 thousand of them, in 2023 — 180 thousand, and in 2024 — already 190 thousand. Thus, over three years, the volume of seized counterfeit products increased by 37.5%.
During the specified period, the company's specialists took measures to block more than four thousand materials on trading platforms, over one hundred thousand advertisements on social networks, and also blocked access to more than twenty web resources that were engaged in the distribution of fake parts, lubricants and automotive fluids. Kovin specified that in all cases of violations, compensation and damages were received by the copyright holders in court.
Unfortunately, a huge number of spare parts are counterfeited, among which we most often identify counterfeit motor oils, spark plugs, filters, brake system parts and other types of auto components. This is largely due to the suspension of cooperation between some foreign copyright holders and Russia.
Counterfeits are often sold on marketplaces. There is also a risk of buying counterfeit auto parts on social networks.
When purchasing a product, the specialist advises paying attention to its packaging. In the case of counterfeiting, it is usually of poor quality: it contains spelling errors, the images are blurry, and the printing is of poor quality.
If the buyer has the opportunity to compare the original product with the new one, this can be useful. Counterfeits are often made from cheaper materials, which affects its texture and smell. Also, a sign of a fake may be a price that is significantly lower than the market price.
Many brands assign unique serial numbers to their products. These numbers, as well as codes, can be checked on the official website of the manufacturer. It is also important to study the reputation of the seller, the availability of necessary licenses and certificates.
Market expert Roman Gulyaev recommends buying spare parts at a car service with a guarantee for installation. Fit Service Director Tatyana Ovchinnikova claims that when servicing at a large certified service station, the client receives double protection.
Firstly, large networks cooperate only with the largest distributors of technical fluids and spare parts, who have their own anti-counterfeiting programs. Secondly, the car services themselves strictly evaluate the goods upon acceptance, check the entire package of documents.
Earlier, a NAPI study revealed that over the year the price of spare parts for Russian cars fell by an average of 29%. At the same time, the cost of parts for foreign cars increased. For Russian brands, such items as radiator grilles, wheel disks and rear-view mirrors have noticeably decreased in price, while hoods and airbags have risen in price slightly.
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