The number of counterfeit automotive parts has increased in Russia. Their share has grown by more than a third, according to TKM International Consulting, a company specializing in intellectual property protection.
Since 2022, the amount of counterfeit and falsified products on the auto market has been growing, and it now significantly exceeds pre-sanction levels, said Alexander Kovin, Development Director at TKM International Consulting. Over three years, the company seized more than half a million fake auto components. In 2022, there were 130,000, in 2023 — 180,000, and in 2024 — already 190,000. Thus, in 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 ads on social networks, and also blocked access to more than twenty web resources that were engaged in the distribution of counterfeit parts, lubricants, and automotive fluids. Kovin clarified that in all cases of violations, compensations and damages were received by the rights 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 rights 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 counterfeits, it is usually of low 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 helpful. Counterfeits are often made from cheaper materials, which affects their texture and smell. Also, a sign of a fake can 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 warranty 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 protection programs against counterfeiting. 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, items such as radiator grilles, wheel disks, and rear-view mirrors have noticeably decreased in price, while hoods and airbags have risen in price slightly.
Read materials on the topic:
The most popular auto parts and consumables in Russia have been named
Auto parts for cars have started selling on Avito
Car services faced a shortage of parts due to the increase in sales of used cars
