CIPH gets behind act to combat counterfeit products

The Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) is supporting the introduction by Ottawa of legislation designed to protect Canadian consumers, manufacturers and retailers from threats posed by counterfeit goods coming into the country.

“Through this act, the government can play a substantial role in improving the system to combat counterfeiting as it relates to the plumbing, heating and mechanical industries,” said CIPH President and General Manager Ralph Suppa.

The Combating Counterfeit Products Act, introduced by federal Industry Minister Christian Paradis and Public Safety Minister Vic Toews, will provide the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) with the authority to take action against the commercial movement of counterfeit goods at the border.

In addition, the legislation will include new criminal offences for commercial trademark counterfeiting. It will also allow Canadian businesses to file a request for assistance with the CBSA, in turn, enabling border officers to share information with them regarding suspect shipments.

“The proliferation of products bearing counterfeit marks is placing the public at direct risk,” Suppa said. “Counterfeit goods can kill, especially when it comes to certification marks being counterfeited. These products are untested and so are considered potentially unsafe.”

The value of counterfeit goods seized by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police surpassed $38 million in 2012, a five-fold increase since 2005. However, the institute said most industries do not report counterfeit products to the RCMP.

In a briefing document prepared for the government, CIPH said both the institute and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada agree that the government should provide Customs officials “with the express authority” to target, detain, seize and destroy counterfeit goods.

According to the CSA Group, plumbing product types of counterfeit concern include PVC pipe and fittings, copper manifolds and fittings, hot surface igniters and HVAC filters. However, quantities and values are unknown, CIPH said.

The majority of such counterfeit products are believed to be imported from Southeast Asia.

The CIPH represents companies that manufacture, sell and distribute plumbing, hydronic heating and related products and services.