Counterfeiting in Stationery Products: Important Steps for a Healthy School Year

As the start of the new school year approaches, students and parents have begun shopping on various online platforms to purchase the necessary supplies. However, in recent years, the increase in counterfeit stationery products has become a serious threat in the market. Parents have the following questions on their minds.

According to the National Retail Federation, consumers are expected to spend at a record level for back-to-school shopping this year. Surpassing last year's expenditure of $36.9 billion, it is projected that a spending of $41.5 billion will be made this year. Naturally, counterfeiters have also rolled up their sleeves to claim a share from this growing pie

U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized 17,000 counterfeit items worth $2.4 billion just last year. These counterfeit products included popular back-to-school items like electronic devices, shoes, work materials, and clothing. Patrick Kilbride, the experienced Vice President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Global Innovation Policy Center, emphasizes the growing importance of being a conscious consumer in the fight against counterfeit products. He states, "Being aware of the risks associated with counterfeit charging devices, for instance, such as the potential for explosion or fire, is crucial. Products like chemicals used in clothing and felt-tip pens are materials that young children could put in their mouths. As a result, our unwavering efforts to protect children's health continue. We also encourage parents to be conscious of this issue."

Low-quality products can lead to allergic reactions, and when hands come into contact with these products and are then put in the mouth or eyes, or when they are smelled, they can cause various illnesses, including eczema and respiratory disorders. Regarding this issue, Pınar Ersoy, the General Manager of Pelikan Turkey, makes the following statements: "The main component of stationery products is plastic. It's a fact that the solvents, phthalates, azo compounds, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and other substances used in products manufactured with cheap raw materials are harmful not only to children but also to adults."

The chemicals found in inks or paints used in counterfeit stationery products can cause poisoning if children come into oral contact with them, and the same chemical substances can cause irritation when they come into contact with children's eyes and skin.

It is important for students to have a quality backpack for their daily use. Counterfeit backpacks are often made from low-quality materials and lack features such as ergonomic design and padding on the back, which can lead to serious health problems in the future. To take precautions against such situations, parents need to develop informed consumer habits.

Points Parents Should Pay Attention To

Prefer Official Retailers!

When purchasing stationery products, opting for official and reputable stores is of great importance. When shopping online, it's essential to choose trustworthy and well-known e-commerce websites. While major e-commerce platforms attempt to prevent the sale of counterfeit products, it's crucial for consumers to make their choices from reliable sellers.

Pay Attention to Packaging and Labels!

Thoroughly examining the packaging and labels of stationery products is highly important. Spelling errors, low-quality prints, or differing logo designs are often indicators of counterfeit products. Additionally, ensuring the presence of certifications like CE/EN 71/ISO/TSE, which are necessary for stationery products, is crucial. These certifications demonstrate compliance with safety and quality standards.

Don't Be Deceived by Low Prices!

Abnormally low prices might seem attractive, but these prices often stem from the use of low-quality materials and poor craftsmanship in manufacturing counterfeit products. Such products should generally be regarded with suspicion.

Mind Warranty and Return Conditions!

Counterfeit products typically lack warranties or come with vague warranty terms. Shopping from trustworthy sellers, carefully examining warranty and return conditions, and reaching out to brand representatives are measures that make it easier to identify counterfeit products.

Before the bell of the new school year rings, in a time where students and parents purchase their school necessities through e-commerce platforms, Counterfake establishes trust between brands and consumers. With its advanced technology, Counterfake detects counterfeit products offered for sale on the internet and ensures their removal. Thus, it protects both your brands and your families against counterfeiting.