Authorities are warning drivers to stay alert after seizing more than £100,000 worth of counterfeit car parts described as “potentially lethal.”
The raid, led by South Gloucestershire Trading Standards with support from major manufacturers including Toyota and Stellantis, uncovered over 3,600 fake components - such as spark plugs and oil filters - from a self-storage site. It follows a similar operation by City of London Police last year, which confiscated 500 counterfeit airbags.
The trade in fake car parts is big business. According to the OECD, more than £2.2 billion worth of counterfeit components were imported into the UK in 2021. A government survey found that one in six motorists had unknowingly bought fake parts in the past year.
Cost is a major factor. Counterfeit parts are typically much cheaper than genuine ones, and with living costs still high, many drivers are tempted by the savings. Around a third of those who admitted buying fake components said they couldn’t tell the difference between counterfeit and authentic items.
But the risks are serious. Helen Barnham, deputy director of enforcement at the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), warned:
“Counterfeit vehicle parts can lead to life-changing or even fatal consequences. These are not victimless crimes. Fake parts skip safety testing and are often made from inferior materials, putting drivers and passengers in real danger.”
She added that criminals are increasingly using legitimate storage facilities to hide counterfeit goods, making enforcement more challenging. The IPO and Trading Standards continue to work with police and manufacturers to disrupt supply chains, but motorists are urged to remain cautious - particularly when buying online.
Drivers should look out for telltale signs such as vague product descriptions, flimsy or poorly printed packaging, missing safety information, incorrect serial numbers, and spelling mistakes in instructions. The advice is simple: always buy from trusted suppliers and report anything suspicious to Trading Standards.
