CBI-electric believes the bulk of counterfeit products caught before sale
August 2012
News
Urgent customer service announcement from CBI-electric
Local MCB (miniature circuit breaker) and ELPU (earth leakage protection unit) manufacturer, CBI-electric, has reported that counterfeit copies of its products are being imported into South Africa for resale by unscrupulous distributors.
CBI says it became aware of the problem late in 2011 when product started being returned to it by resellers due to items being non-functional. The company summarily notified its authorised distributors and at the same time the authorities: included in the notifications were the National Regulator, SANS, DTI, SARS and acting council Spoor and Fisher. Following this a number of raids were conducted, eight thus far, and product has been confiscated from various entities. CBI-electric acted as expert witness to help identify the fake products.
Coen Esterhuizen, CBI-electric: low voltage corporate advisor: “We realised the seriousness of the situation when under test these fake products proved to be potentially dangerous to people and installations.” Esterhuizen confirms that confiscated product has subsequently been made available by customs to enable legal preparation for trial, but adds that CBI is not in a position at the moment to name the organisations responsible. “We are however determined to protect our customers and our brand through public awareness,” he stresses. “There are potential dangers to re-sellers, installers and end users. We urge people to take notice of this announcement and acquire product only from our authorised distributors and re-sellers.”
Esterhuizen emphasises that CBI-electric is currently making information available to the industry and authorities to enable easy identification of all counterfeit devices.
Since the raids, it has become evident that the parties responsible have gone ‘underground’ and fake product has been moved to neighbouring countries, a situation already under investigation by the local authorities. “Counterfeit products are an industry wide problem and are not unique to CBI,” says Esterhuizen. “Unfortunately, it is mostly the top international brands that are targeted.”
CBI is confident that the counterfeit product distribution was confined to the immediate vicinity of the facilities where the products were seized by the authorities. Indications are that a small amount of product did find its way into the market, but the bulk was identified and confiscated before it could be sold.
Anyone in any doubt should contact the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications or the company at +27 (0)11 928 2000.
Further reading:
Rooibos heads to space in groundbreaking South African STEM initiative
News
Rooibos seeds will be sent to the International Space Station as part of a first-of-its-kind South African initiative combining space-based plant science with hands-on STEM education for learners in the Cederberg region and Cape Town.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: Turning the tide
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Our last few Sustainable Manufacturing guides have tracked the changes in the energy industry in South Africa. This year, I found that the story has moved on still further.
South Africa’s manufacturing
...
Read more...
Engineering a more inclusive future
News
Women engineers at Zutari are helping shape resilient communities across Africa and the Middle East, while inspiring the next generation to enter the profession in areas ranging from water security to large-scale urban developments.
Read more...
Schneider Electric inspires future women engineers
Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric welcomed female engineering students from its education partner Sedibeng TVET College, Sebokeng to its Midrand headquarters for its Mandela Day Mentorship Café initiative, transforming a day of service into a day of inspiration, learning and opportunity.
Read more...
Supporting an inclusive circular economy transition in South Africa
News
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation has released its Circular Economy Science, Technology and Innovation strategy. The document sets out how research, development and innovation can support South Africa’s shift away from a linear economic model.
Read more...
Why sustainability and resilience matter more than ever to navigate the ESG backlash
News
ESG, once heralded as a pragmatic framework for embedding long-term resilience into business, is facing growing resistance. The backlash we are seeing may appear reactionary, but it should not distract us from the facts. In this climate, I often find myself returning to the core purpose behind sustainability - creating long-term value in a world of escalating uncertainty.
Read more...
Electra Mining Africa showcases the technologies shaping tomorrow’s industry
News
Taking place from 7 to 11 September 2026 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec, Electra Mining Africa will showcase thousands of products, technologies and services from more than 1000 local and international exhibitors.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: Building a better future
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
This issue of
SA Instrumentation & Control includes our Sustainable Manufacturing Industry Guide, which has some great examples of companies actively contributing to a net-zero carbon future. It’s also
...
Read more...
Latest automation innovations on show at Electra Mining Africa 2026
News
Electra Mining Africa 2026 will showcase new developments in mining automation, AI-integrated safety systems, digital power solutions and CNC simulation technology, alongside a new outdoor Orange Zone exhibition area at the Johannesburg Expo Centre.
Read more...
Tech4Tomorrow Winter School inspires future innovators in Hammarsdale
News
Counter Space Learning hosted its Tech4Tomorrow Winter School, bringing robotics, programming and artificial intelligence to learners who might not otherwise have access to these technologies.
Read more...
printer friendly version