Counterfeit electrical items 'dangerous'

The Electrical Importers' Association yesterday expressed concern about the large number of counterfeit products currently on the market.

"Besides the fact that these are being imported illegally and are causing financial problems to our members, the association is extremely worried about the danger such counterfeit products will cause to the end users," it said.

The association, which represents all the leading importers of electrical products, will be taking a number of measures in this connection. These include support to affected members and bringing cases to the attention of the police, the Department for Consumer Affairs, the Malta Standards Authority, the Trade Department and the Chamber of Commerce responsible for issuing commission agents' licences and the Malta Resources Authority.

The association will also embark on a public information campaign explaining that these counterfeit products may not comply with statutory safety standards and their use may create a substantial risk to the end users as they may cause loss of life, disablement, damage to property through electrical shock, explosion or fire.

The association recently held its annual general meeting and the following member companies were appointed to the board of directors: Electra Limited; E. Calleja & Sons Ltd; Hydrolectric Ltd; IML Holdings Ltd; MCE Limited; and Victor Calleja Trading Ltd.