TWO organizations have partnered to fight the selling of fake and low-quality automotive parts in online platforms.
On Friday, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (Ipophl) and the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi) signed an agreement to address the growing presence of counterfeit and inferior vehicle spare parts in online marketplaces.
Joining them in the campaign are e-commerce outlets Shopee, Lazada, Tiktok, and Zalora.
A 2023 report from the United State Department of Commerce agency International Trade Administration (ITA) said the proliferation of illegal and substandard automotive parts and accessories was a major challenge to the local automotive aftermarket industry.
The availability of these below minimum standards products in e-commerce platforms poses grave risks that demand immediate action, the report pointed out.
The Ipophl-Campi agreement will enhance collaboration between rights holders and platform signatories to create an efficient takedown mechanism against infringing posts and sellers.
“Brand owners can directly contact online platforms like Lazada, TikTok, Shopee, and Zalora to report violations,“ Ipophl acting director general Nathaniel Arevalo said at the agreement signing, adding that the collective effort will also help advocate road safety nationwide.
“As the e-commerce environment continuously evolves, brand owners, regulators, and online e-commerce platforms must work together in ensuring that only safe, genuine, and quality products reach consumers,” Campi president Rommel Gutierrez said.
Original article: Ipophl, car firms fight online sales of fake parts
