| Electrical product counterfeiters pay heavy price in Canadian courts |
2007-05-22 |
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| NORTHBROOK, Ill., May 22, 2007 -- Underwriters Laboratories (UL) announced today a guilty plea obtained in the case of an Ontario import-export firm stemming from previous charges against two individuals by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in connection with the sale and distribution of dangerous consumer electrical products bearing counterfeit UL marks.
The sentence was imposed by Ontario Court Judge Ramez Khawly on April 10, 2007 on Cana Import Export Ltd., which was found guilty on two counts of fraud for dealing in counterfeit products. Each count carries a fine of C$20,000 with six months to pay or three months in jail for default on the first count, and one year to pay or three months in jail on the second count.
Saleem Khan, 59, of Toronto, was identified as director for Cana responsible for payment of the fines or subject to imprisonment if found in default by the court. Khan was also found guilty on two counts of possession of counterfeit products, with one-year probation under a plea agreement. He and a relative were arrested in 2005 after a two-month investigation.
During the initial search of Canada outlet and warehouse in Etobicoke, Ontario, police seized over 500 electrical power strips, nearly 1,000 orange heavy-duty extension cords, and 5,000 various household extension cords. Samples of the bogus electrical products--which were determined to bear forged UL safety certification markings--failed standard UL safety tests.
Of particular concern was a white extension cord, manufactured with thin telephone wire and a brittle, easily broken plastic coating, which likely retailed for a few dollars but cost far less to produce. When tested by UL, the extension cord melted and caught fire within a few minutes. The seized outlet strips were also found to have undersized wiring and no surge suppression. They were further found to have reverse polarity wiring, which is a shock hazard, and a plastic casing that ignited immediately upon testing since it was not made of fire-resistant material.
While only a very small percentage of products and/or packaging may be found to bear a counterfeit UL mark, such products have not undergone ULs testing and certification process and thus could pose significant safety risks to consumers.
Counterfeit products are typically high-volume, low-cost items such as extension cords and power strips, primarily manufactured in Asia and sold through discount retailers and unconventional outlets such as flea markets.
"We appreciate the responsiveness and hard work of the RCMP in helping to bring about these successful prosecutions, which reinforce ULs zero-tolerance policy toward counterfeiting as we aggressively defend the integrity of UL certification marks worldwide," said Brian Monks, Vice President of Anti-Counterfeiting Operations.
In addition to posing a threat to public safety and the individual consumers who purchase them, counterfeit products defraud retailers who are selling legitimate products and undermines public confidence in the safety certification process. Counterfeiting is estimated to account for five to seven percent of global trade, or about USD$500 billion each year. Internationally, Interpol has indicated that organized crime and terrorist groups are now involved in the trade of counterfeit products, with profits from these sales financing other areas of criminal and terrorist activities.
In addition to the RCMP, UL works with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and provincial safety authorities across Canada. UL also works with U.S. Customs, the FBI, state and local authorities, the World Customs Organization (WCO), Interpol, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the International Trademark Association (INTA), and the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC).
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| UL Warns of Counterfeit Extension Cords, Power Strips, Surge Protectors, and Current Taps |
2006-12-05 |
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| Units: Unknown quantity
Manufacturer: Unknown
Date of Manufacture: Unknown
Identification: On the extension cords: The cords are white, brown, green, or orange in color in lengths from 3 feet to 100 feet. Attached to the cords are counterfeit UL holographic labels bearing one of the following file numbers and date codes:
E157848, 04/01
E157848, 09/01
E233301, 08/05
E174825, 03/03
E137398, 01/02
E137398, 09/02
Identification: On the power strips and surge protectors:
The power strips have 6 or 8 outlets and employ counterfeit UL holographic labels bearing the following code numbers and date codes:
8G14, 02/04
Identification: On the current taps:
The current taps (also known as wall taps) have three outlets or six outlets; other styles convert a 3-prong plug to a 2-prong plug. These products employ counterfeit UL holographic labels bearing one of the following code numbers and date codes:
6MA9, 02/04
6MA9, 01/05
Identification: On the product packaging:
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| CPSC Signs Cooperative Agreement with Japan to Improve Consumer Product Safety |
2006-11-29 |
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| WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today the signing of Guidelines for Information Exchange and Administrative Cooperation with the Japanese government to improve the safety of consumer products in the U.S. and Japan.
CPSC’s Acting Chairman Nancy Nord and President Makoto Misono of National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) signed the agreement at the International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization (ICPHSO) conference in Brussels, Belgium. The agreement had been previously signed by Director-General Midori Tani, Consumer Affairs, of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
The agreement calls for an exchange of information between the two countries on consumer product safety issues, the development of training programs dealing with consumer product safety, and an exchange of safety professionals to carry out consumer safety programs.
“Working under this agreement, both agencies will be able to identify dangerous products faster, and prevent them from being distributed,” said Chairman Nord. “This agreement will help to prevent injuries and save lives in both countries.”
“This cooperative agreement with the United States will help protect consumers around the world,” said METI Director-General Tani.
NITE President Misono said, “We look forward to an exchange of information and officials between both countries on consumer product safety issues.”
Japan is a major trading partner with the United States. It ranks fourth in imports of consumer products into the U.S. According to the International Trade Commission, $40 billion of products under CPSC’s jurisdiction came from Japan in 2005.
CPSC also has signed agreements with other countries, including Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, the European Commission, India, Israel, Mexico and the Republic of Korea, to improve the safety of consumer products.
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| UL Warns of Counterfeit Amusement and Gaming Machines |
2006-11-22 |
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| Name of Product: Model (Toy Chest) CS60S
Units: Unknown Quantity
Date of Manufacture: Approximately 2003 to 2005
Manufacturer: Smart Industries Corp Mfg.
Identification: The nameplate of the counterfeit products will be marked in one of the two following methods:
(Scenario 1) On the product: The back of the housing has two metal nameplates with the following marking:
(Scenario 2) On the product: The back of the housing has a metal nameplate with a counterfeit UL paper label affixed over it with the following marking:
Distributed by: Hip Coin, 7275 West Credit Ave, Unit B, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5N 5M9, phone +1-800-672-2286, email: sales@hipinteractive.com
What you should do: UL recommends that users stop using the product immediately and return it to the place of purchase.
Consumer Contact: Smart Industries Corp Mfg, 1626 Delaware Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317, phone +1-800-553-2442, fax +1-515-265-3148
http://www.ul.com/newsroom/newsrel/nr112206c.html |
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| UL Warns of Counterfeit AC Adapter |
2006-11-22 |
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| Units: Unknown quantity
Manufacturer: Unknown
Date of Manufacture: Unknown
Identification: On the product: Marked with a counterfeit UL Listing Mark which consists of UL in a circle and the following information:
PCGA-AC19V1
INPUT 100-240V 1.5 A 50/60 Hz
OUTPUT 19.5 V- 3A
INPUT: AC 100-240V 135-170VA 50/60 HZ
OUTPUT : DC19.5V-3A
Made in China
The counterfeit AC adaptor also states "For Sony" in the upper left corner and "Corporation" in the lower left corner.
Legitimate UL Listed AC adapters manufactured by Delta Electronics Inc. are manufactured with a label that states "SONY" in the upper left-hand corner and "Sony Corporation" in the lower left corner.
http://www.ul.com/newsroom/newsrel/nr112206b.html |
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| UL Warns of Counterfeit Adapters |
2006-07-17 |
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| NORTHBROOK, Ill. - July 17, 2006 -- Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) is notifying consumers that adapters identified below have not been evaluated for safety by UL and bear a counterfeit UL Mark for the United States.
Units: Unknown quantity
Manufacture: Unknown
Date of Manufacture: Unknown
Identification: On the product: The adapter is orange in color and marked with the following information:
15A 125V
E202484
ME-2
SP-504
China
CAUTION Connect Tab To Grounded Screw
On the packaging: The packaging is marked with a counterfeit UL Mark and the following information:
Adapters 3 to 2 Grounding
Catalog No. PL-5042
This counterfeit product is similar to an adaptor that is authorized to bear the UL Mark. The authorized product has a UL holographic label with the UL Listing Mark on the product, the counterfeit product does not have a UL Mark on the product.
Sold at: Known to be sold at Pattons Imports located in Marion, North Carolina.
Contact: Pattons Imports, 2240 US Hwy 221 N. Bus, Marion, NC 28752. Phone: +1 828 659-2172.
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| UL Warns Of Counterfeit Lighting Fixtures |
2006-07-13 |
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| NORTHBROOK, Ill. - July 12, 2006 - -- Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is notifying retailers, and consumers that the lighting fixtures identified below have not been evaluated by UL for safety and bear a counterfeit UL Mark for the United States and Canada.
Name of Product: Model LTG-1
Units: Unknown quantity
Manufacturer: Unknown
Date of Manufacture: Unknown
Identification: On the product: The fixture has a counterfeit UL Listing Mark containing the following information:
02/01 E136466
UL and cUL Marks (in circle)
LISTED
INCANDESCENT LUMINAIRE
SUITABLE FOR DAMP LOCATIONS
ISSUE NO. A-20,703
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| UL Warns of Counterfeit Impact Drills |
2006-05-23 |
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| NORTHBROOK, Ill., - May 23, 2006 - Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is notifying consumers that impact drills produced by an unknown manufacturer have not been evaluated for safety by UL. This product bears a counterfeit UL Mark for the United States and Canada.
Name of Product: Impact Drill, Model SM-8206
Units: Unknown quantity
Manufacturer: Unknown
Date of Manufacture: Unknown
Identification: On the product: The impact drill is red and black with a label that contains a counterfeit UL Mark and a label with the following information:
Impact drill
Rated 110V-60Hz 850 W
No. 0-2800r/min, Made in China.
Identification: On the packaging: Packaging has the words (HEAVY DUTY POWER TOOLS) and the description (IMPACT DRILL, 850W). A photograph of the drill and its features such as 13 mm key chuck, drill & hammer drill, and variable speed are on both sides of the packaging. The bottom left corner of the packaging has a counterfeit UL Mark and the word LISTED.
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| UL Warns of Potentially Hazardous Night Light |
2006-04-24 |
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| NORTHBROOK, Ill., - April 24, 2006 - Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is notifying consumers and retailers that a nightlight manufactured for Salamander Graphix may pose a risk of electric shock. The nightlight has a UL Listing Mark for the United States and Canada.
Name of Product: Salamander Graphix Sparkle Night Light, Cat. No. 5500.
Units: Unknown quantity
Manufacturer: Polon Electronics Company, Ltd.
Date of Manufacture: March and April 2004. Units manufactured after April 2004 are not included in this notice.
Hazard: The nightlight may leak liquid into live parts of the nightlight or into the receptacle into which it is plugged. This poses a risk of electric shock.
Identification: On the Product: The nightlight contains colored liquid and sparkling materials. The plug has a holographic UL Listing Mark with the description (Listed Nightlight 45WT.) The bottom of the plug has the company name, "Salamander Graphic Inc." The following markings are molded to the plastic enclosure of the plug, around the blades:
"WL, E203710
LP-01
TYPEC
120VAC, 60Hz, MAX4W
MADE IN CHINA."
Identification: On the Packaging: The front of the packaging is marked "Cat. 5500" Sparkle Night Light. The back of the packaging is marked with the UL Listing Mark for the United States and Canada and the description (The Space Age Marvel Sparkle night light. A soft glow and sparkles in motion create a restful soothing effect!)
What you should do: UL recommends that users stop using the product, identified above and manufactured between March and April 2004, immediately and contact Salamander Graphix.
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| Extension Cords Fact Sheet |
2006-04-03 |
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| THE STATISTICS
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSO) estimates that each year, about 4,000 injuries associated with electric extension cords are treated in hospital emergency rooms. About half the injuries involve fractures, lacerations, contusions, or sprains from people tripping over extension cords. Thirteen percent of the injuries involve children under-five years of age; electrical burns to the mouth accounted for half the injuries to young children.
CPSC also estimates that about 3,300 residential fires originate in extension cords each year, killing 50 people and injuring about 270 others. The most frequent causes of such fires are short circuits, overloading, damage, and/or misuse of extension cords.
THE PROBLEM
Following are CPSC investigations of injuries that illustrate the major accident patterns associated with extension cords, namely children putting extension cords in their mouths, overloaded cords, worn or damaged cords, and tripping over cords:
A 15-month-old girl put an extension cord In her mouth and suffered an electrical burn. She required surgery.
Two young children were injured In a fire caused by an overloaded extension cord in their familys home. A lamp, TV set, and electric heater had been plugged Into a single, light-duty extension cord.
A 65-year old woman was treated for a fractured ankle after tripping over an extension cord.
THE STANDARDS
The National Electrical Code says that many cord-connected appliances should be equipped with polarized grounding type plugs. Polarized plugs have one blade slightly wider than the other and can only be inserted one way into the outlet. Polarization and grounding ensure that certain parts of appliances that could have a higher risk of electric shock when they become live are instead connected to the neutral, or grounded, side of the circuit. Such electrical products should only be used with polarized or grounding type extension cords.
Voluntary industry safety standards, including those of Underwriters Laboratories Inc.(UL), now require that general use extension cords have safety closures, warning labels, rating information about the electrical current, and other added features for the protection of children and other consumers.
In addition, UL-listed extension cords now must be constructed with #16 gauge or larger wire, or be equipped with integral fuses. The #16 gauge wire is rated to carry 13 amperes (up to 1560 watts), as compared to the formerly-used # 18 gauge cords that were rated for 10 amperes (up to 1200 watts).
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SAFETY SUGGESTIONS
CPSC has the following recommendations for the purchase and safe use of extension cords:
* Use extension cords only when necessary and only on a temporary basis.
* Use polarized extension cords with polarized appliances.
* Make sure cords do not dangle from the counter or table tops where they can be pulled down or tripped over.
* Replace cracked or worn extension cords with new. #16 gauge cords that have the listing, of a nationally-recognized testing laboratory, safety closures, and other safety features.
* With cords lacking safety closures, cover any unused outlets with electrical tape or with plastic caps to prevent the chance of a child making contact with the live circuit.
* Insert plugs fully so that no part of the prongs are exposed when the extension cord is in use.
* When disconnecting cords, pull the plug rather than the cord itself.
* Teach children not to play with plugs and outlets.
* Use only three-wire extension cords for appliances with three-prong plugs. Never remove the third (round or U-shaped) prong, which is a safety feature designed to reduce the risk of shock and electrocution.
* In locations where furniture or beds may be pushed against an extension cord where the cord joins the plug, use a special "angle extension cord," which is specifically designed for use in these instances.
* Check the plug and the body of the extension cord while the cord is in use. Noticeable warming of these plastic parts is expected when cords are being used at their maximum rating, however, if the cord feels hot or if there is a softening of the plastic, this is a warning that the plug wires or connections are failing and that the extension cord should be discarded and replaced.
* Never use an extension cord while it is coiled or looped. Never cover any part of an extension cord with newspapers, clothing, rugs, or any objects while the cord is in use. Never place an extension cord where it is likely to be damaged by heavy furniture or foot traffic.
* Do not use staples or nails to attach extension cords to a baseboard or to another surface. This could damage the cord and present a shock or fire hazard.
* Do not overload extension cords by plugging in appliances that draw a total of more watts than the rating of the cord.
* Use special, heavy duty extension cords for high wattage appliances such as air conditioners, portable electric heaters, and freezers.
* When using outdoor tools and appliances, use only extension cords labeled for outdoor use.
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| UL Warns of Potentially Hazardous Cord Set |
2006-03-27 |
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| Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is notifying consumers that a cord set manufactured by MSL Enterprises Corporation may pose a shock and fire hazard.
Name of Product: Power Strip Liberator
Units: 8000
Manufacturer: MSL Enterprises Corporation
Date of Manufacture: March to April 2005
Warning: This product does not comply with UL safety requirements and may pose a shock and fire hazard to users.
Identification: The plastic packaging is printed with the following description:
Item #: 121 25550
Length: 14"
Color: Black
Heavy-duty molded ends
UL/CSA listed
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| UL Warns of a Potentially Hazardous Heavy-Duty Dryer Cord |
2006-03-20 |
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| Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is notifying consumers that a heavy-duty dryer cord manufactured by Jiande Yonghua Electrical Equipment Company Ltd. does not meet UL safety requirements and may pose a hazard to users. This product has not been evaluated for safety by UL and bears a counterfeit UL Mark for the United States and Canada.
Units: Unknown quantity
Manufacturer: Jiande Yonghua Electrical Equipment Company Ltd.
Date of Manufacture: April 2005 to present.
Identification:
On the product: The cord is gray in color with a plug at one and three closed loop connectors crimped on the other end. The cord surface is marked with the descriptions "125/250V, 30A, 10/3 SRDT (UL), E177867, Made in China." The cord also employs a counterfeit UL holographic label and the description:
E174825
POWER SUPPLY CORD E174825
ISSUE NO: BW-1466
On the packaging: The packaging is marked "Heavy Duty Dryer Cord," "30A-125/250V, 3-Pole, 3 Wire AWG 10/3, Type SRDT, NEMA 10-30," "4ft Dryer Cord," "#46AB-PT"and a counterfeit UL Listing Mark.
Hazard: This product employs undersized wire and may have other features that do not comply with UL applicable safety requirements which may pose a risk of fire and shock.
What you should do: UL recommends that users stop using these cord sets immediately and return them to the place of purchase.
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| UL Warns of Potentially Hazardous Soldering Iron |
2006-03-17 |
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| Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is notifying consumers that a soldering iron manufactured by Shuang Shi Enterprise Company Ltd. may pose a shock or fire hazard.
Name of Product: Soldering iron, model CL-3
Quantity: 2000 units
Manufacturer: Shuang Shi Enterprise Company Ltd.
Date of Manufacture: November 2004
Hazard: The securement of the power supply cord connections does not comply with UL applicable safety requirements. This poses a risk of electric shock and fire hazard to users.
Identification: Marked with "6G98", "MODEL CL-3", "E190243" and the UL Listing Mark for the US and Canada.
What You Should Do: UL recommends that users stop using the product immediately and return it to the place of purchase.
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| UL Warns of Potentially Hazardous Corn Burning Stoves |
2006-03-14 |
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| Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is notifying consumers that corn burning stoves manufactured by Corn Energy Systems Inc. bear unauthorized UL Marks, and may pose a fire or smoke emission hazard to users. UL encourages consumers to stop using these products immediately and return them to the place of purchase.
Name of Product: Snowflame 3000 and Snowflame 5000
Units: Unknown
Manufacturer: Corn Energy Systems Inc.
Date of Manufacture: Unknown
Hazard: These units are not eligible to bear the UL Listing Mark and may pose a fire or smoke emission hazard.
Identification: A label located on the rear of the product displays MH29256 and the UL Listing Mark. It also identifies the manufacturer as. orn Energy Systems, Bean Station, TN 37708?and lists the model numbers nowflame 3000?or nowflame 5000.?
What you should do: UL recommends that users stop using the stove immediately and return it to your place of purchase.
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| UL Warns of Hazardous Extension Cords |
2006-03-01 |
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| NORTHBROOK, Ill., - March 1, 2006 - Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is notifying inspection authorities, retailers and consumers of extension cords that do not meet UL safety requirements and may pose a hazard to users. These products have not been evaluated for safety by UL and bear counterfeit UL Marks for the United States and Canada.
Name of Product: Household Extension Cord
Units: Unknown quantity
Manufacturer: The manufacturer of these products has not been identified.
Hazard: The wire in the extension cord is undersized creating a risk of fire and electric shock.
Identification:
On the product:
The cord is green in color with a plug on one end and a three-plug receptacle on the opposite end. The cord has a counterfeit UL holographic label attached near the plug with the description: "CORD SET," "E-218475," "BW-4126," "13A," "125 V," and 1625 W."
On the package:
The packaging which contains a counterfeit cUL Listing Mark is marked: "RALLONGE DOMESTIQUE HOUSEHOLD CORD," "2M 6 pi. 2M-GR."
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| UL Warns of Potentially Hazardous Decorative Lighting Strings |
2006-01-23 |
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| NORTHBROOK (January 23, 2006) - Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is notifying consumers and retailers that the two sets of decorative lighting strings identified below may pose a shock or fire hazard.
Name of product: Decorative Lighting Strings
Model Number & Company Name
a) ZG1002/Zhejiang Zhuguang Electric Group Linhai Festival Lanterns Corporation (E167352)
b) CGD-100/2F/Cheung Hing Decorative Lights Co Ltd (E216945)
HAZARD: These products have features that do not comply with UL applicable safety standard which may result in overheating or exposure of live parts. This poses a risk of electric shock and fire hazard to users of the product.
Date of manufacture: Unknown
Identification: Two marking tags are attached to the decorative lighting strings near the plug. One tag is holographic and includes the UL Mark. The other tag is white and includes a CAUTION marking, the model number, UL file number and electrical ratings
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| UL Warns of Potentially Hazardous Commercial Refrigerator |
2005-11-14 |
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| NORTHBROOK, Ill., - Nov. 14, 2005 - Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is notifying retailers that Caravell A/S, Commercial Refrigerators, Models CIF45 and CIC65 contain exposed live parts during lamp replacement, which may pose a shock hazard.
Name of Product: Caravell Impulse Display Chiller Cabinet, models CIF45 and CIC65
Units: Unknown Quantity
Manufacturer: Frigor A/S
Date of Manufacture: These products have been manufactured since 1991.
Hazard: An unknown number of units were constructed without the required fluorescent lampholders. In these units, wires with exposed terminations are used to connect to the fluorescent lamp pins. There is a risk of electric shock if the user contacts the exposed live parts on the lamps during lamp replacement.
Identification:
On the product: Units have a nameplate marked with the affected model identification.
Consumer Contact: Frigor A/S, Holstebrovej 101, DK-8800 Viborg, Denmark . Contact via e-mail at post@frigor.dk Or go to Website at http://www.frigor.dk. Contact by phone at 011-45-8662-6400.
What you should do: UL recommends that users contact the manufacturer before replacing the lamp.
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