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Trading Standards warns of risks of counterfeit perfumes after car boot haul in Peterborough (20 July 2017)

Date: 20/07/2017
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Trading Standards warns of risks of counterfeit perfumes after car boot haul in Peterborough

Peterborough City Council's Trading Standards department is warning consumers that counterfeit perfumes could pose a risk to the public.

The city’s Trading Standards team seized more than 400 perfumes from the Wellington Street car boot sale, as part of a recent joint operation with brand representatives, Surelock International.

Officers are now warning the public to be on the lookout if buying perfume through social media and online auction websites, as well as at car boot sales.

The fake perfume seized includes counterfeit versions of Chanel, Kenzo, Hugo Boss and Dior, which are being marketed by counterfeiters as 30-40ml demonstrators or testers.

The council says this approach is believed to be an attempt by rogue traders to justify why these goods are being sold at car boot sales.

Officers will now be taking enforcement action against the traders involved and all perfumes will be destroyed.

Trading Standards warns that previously tested counterfeit aftershaves and perfumes have been found to contain excessive amounts of methanol, among other ingredients.

High levels of methanol can cause skin conditions in the form of rashes and other reactions, especially those with sensitive skin or dermatitis.

Another safety consideration is that high levels of methanol makes the perfume much more flammable.

A representative of Surelock International – UK representative for many designer brands – said:

“Once again, we are very pleased to have worked with Peterborough Trading Standards – and this is a great result.

“Counterfeit perfumes are unregulated – and recent testing has shown the contents can pose a safety risk to unsuspecting consumers.”


Rob Edmunds from Peterborough Trading Standards said:

“Selling these fake perfumes as testers is a new tactic by counterfeiters – and we urge residents to avoid buying them if they see these items online or at car boot sales and markets.

“Not only is it against the law, selling counterfeit goods undercuts genuine traders and these perfumes pose a health and safety risk to the public.”


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