Customers warned of counterfeits at computer fairs

Counterfeit electronics could be harming the technology industry by lowering consumer satisfaction and confidence in a brand, the Australian Customs and Border Protection service has warned.

The Government agency, which worked with the industry to intercept fake imported goods, reported seizing 30,778 suspected counterfeit electronic items in 2009.

Electronics were present in more than a quarter of all counterfeit seizures in 2009. If genuine, the electronics seized would be worth more than $2.2m, a spokesperson estimated.

For comparison, electronics represented only 14 percent of seizures in 2008, with an estimated potential retail value of almost $2m.

The most common electronic products seized during the past three years were mobile telephones, hair straighteners, game consoles and accessories, MP3 players, batteries, memory flash drives, electronic dusters, AC adapters and computer software.

Counterfeit goods typically reached consumers through discount retailers, market stalls, computer fairs, or from online sellers via the international mail stream or air express couriers.

Because they often were of poorer quality than genuine goods, counterfeit electronic items came with a higher risk of equipment failure.

"The risks to the technology industry include component failure in critical equipment, system failures and a loss of confidence in a brand," a spokesperson for Customs and Border Protection said.

"Many consumers feel cheated if they believe they have purchased a legitimate product, and it fails soon after purchase."

Earlier this month, a shipment of Nintendo DS R4 mod chips was seized. There were more than 440 Notices of Objection allowing the seizure of various goods at the Australian border.

Customs and Border Protection recommended that customers be realistic about pricing, check labelling and warranty, and always buy from reputable suppliers to avoid counterfeits.

In 2009, the total retail value of seized counterfeit goods, including non-electronic items, was estimated to be in excess of $47m.