Counterfeit goods advice for Appleby Horse Fair traders

Trading Standards officers are urging traders attending this year’s Appleby Horse Fair to ensure that all the goods they sell are genuine and safe for consumers.

Counterfeit goods - including alcohol, tobacco, vapes, perfumes, cosmetics, toys, and branded electrical items - not only infringe registered trademarks but can also pose serious risks to public health and safety.

Catherine Hornby, Trading Standards Manager at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “Last year, Trading Standards officers seized counterfeit goods worth more than £38,000 at the Fair. Among the items recovered were sunglasses falsely branded as Chanel, Ray-Ban, Celine, Prada and Cartier.

“The risk of serious harm from counterfeit goods such as sunglasses that don’t provide full UV protection, or from untested cosmetics, perfumes and electrical goods - is very real. Our message to traders and consumers is simple: it’s just not worth the risk.

“Consumers are often unaware of the health risks associated with counterfeit products. At best, you are wasting money on sub-standard goods; at worst, you could purchase something that is genuinely harmful.

“Counterfeit items are unregulated, and those producing them have no regard for consumer health or safety.”

Trading Standards officers encourage all traders to take the following steps to ensure the legitimacy of their goods:

• Only purchase stock from reputable and trustworthy suppliers
• Obtain written assurances that products are genuine
• Verify goods with the brand owner where possible
• Ensure items are accurately described and legally sold

For regulated goods such as toys and electrical items, traders should also check that products:

• Display the name and address of the manufacturer
• Include a serial or model number
• Carry a UKCA or CE mark, indicating safety and compliance standards

Anyone concerned about counterfeit or unsafe goods is encouraged to contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or visit the Citizens advice website at www.adviceguide.org.uk