Q:What is A2C2? What are the functions of A2C2?

A:The Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council (A2C2) is a coalition of North American automakers focused on addressing counterfeit automotive parts. A2C2 collaborates to identify, disrupt and prevent the importation, manufacture, sale or distribution of counterfeit automotive products in the North American market, aiming to protect consumers, ensure safety and maintain the automotive industry's integrity.

Q:How widespread is the counterfeit automotive parts problem in North America?

A:Findings from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) indicate that counterfeit auto parts entering the U.S. market have an estimated financial impact of over $3 billion annually for A2C2 members. This highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and measures against counterfeiters to protect both consumers and the automotive industry.

Q:Is the counterfeit automotive parts problem growing, and if so, what are the contributing factors?

A:Yes, the counterfeit automotive problem has been growing for several years. In fiscal year 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) seized over 211,000 counterfeit parts, nearly double the previous year.

Meanwhile, intellectual property rights seizures of all commodity types increased from 23,009,963 in 2023 to 32,362,782 in 2024, an increase of 41%. The domestic value of these seizures increased from $2.8 billion to $5.4 billion, a 93% rise.

American shopping habits have changed significantly in the last several years. The U.S. Department of Commerce reports that U.S. e-commerce sales rose from $149.7 billion in 2009 (4.0% of all U.S. retail sales) to $1.119 trillion in 2023, an increase of nearly 650%. Accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, e-commerce sales accounted for 22% of all retail sales in 2023.

The rapid growth of e-commerce has contributed to the proliferation of counterfeit auto parts. Online marketplaces make it easy for sellers to list products, providing counterfeiters with accessible platforms to market and distribute fake goods. These platforms also enable counterfeiters to obscure their activities, complicating enforcement efforts. Additionally, many consumers are unaware that some auto parts available online may be counterfeit. This emphasizes the need for enhanced consumer education and stronger industry partnerships to address counterfeiting.

Q:Which parts are most likely to be counterfeited?

A:All automotive components are susceptible to counterfeiting. For further information, please refer to our Infographic.

Q:Is A2C2 collaborating with e-commerce platforms to address the issue of counterfeit goods?

A:For more information on A2C2's interaction with e-commerce platforms, please refer to the White Paper titled "The Online Sale of Counterfeit Automotive Parts."

Q:How can consumers ensure they are not purchasing counterfeit products?

A:Many counterfeit parts look very similar to genuine parts, which can make it challenging for consumers to identify them. It is advisable to confirm the reliability of the source of the parts or the repair shop providing them. For further clarification, A2C2 advises consumers to consult with the manufacturer’s dealer or a trusted mechanic.

Q:How can repair and collision shops avoid counterfeit automotive parts?

A:Repair facilities should research to help ensure they’re using reputable supply chains. Consumers should hold shops accountable by requesting receipts for parts used in repairs. Trustworthy repair shops will readily provide these.

Q:Who should be contacted if there is a suspicion that a counterfeit part has been purchased?

A:If you suspect a counterfeit automotive part, contact local law enforcement. Alternatively, reach out to the the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center or the automaker's brand protection department listed on our website.

Q:Does A2C2 investigate and prosecute counterfeiters?

A:A2C2 members often work with law enforcement to support investigations and prosecutions. Examples are available in the Press Releases section on our Resources page. Operation Engine Newity (OEN), led by Homeland Security Investigations, aims to prevent the manufacture, sale and use of counterfeit automotive parts like airbags and brake pads, which pose health risks and economic losses. OEN partners with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), aftermarket suppliers and industry associations like A2C2 to authenticate products. As of January 2025, HSI has around 40 active investigations into counterfeit automotive parts.

Q:What is the SHOP SAFE Act?

A:The SHOP SAFE Act is a bipartisan bill that aims to reduce the number of counterfeit products sold online. The act would hold online marketplaces accountable for counterfeit goods sold by third-party sellers. A2C2 supported the SHOP SAFE ACT as introduced in 2024.  The bill would introduce a new era of responsibility for large online platforms by requiring them to assume liability to ensure that third-party sellers do not sell counterfeit products that pose a consumer health or safety risk. The “self-regulation” and “industry led” solutions promoted by the platforms have failed and the problem is only getting worse. American consumers deserve better, and the SHOP SAFE Act will require that large online platforms take the problem of fake and counterfeit goods that threaten the safety of American drivers as seriously as we do.

Q:What is the INFORM Consumers Act?

A:The bipartisan Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers Act (the INFORM Act), was passed in December 2022 and became effective on June 27, 2023. The Buy Safe America Coalition (BSAC), of which A2C2 is a member, has called on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to urge the commission to vigorously enforce the law to protect consumers from counterfeit and stolen goods that are sold through online marketplaces by publicizing INFORM violations and FTC enforcement activity to promote transparency and to raise consumer awareness of non-compliant online marketplaces.

Q:Does A2C2 work with non-government entities and media outlets to spread the message of the dangers concerning counterfeit auto parts to consumers?

A:Yes, A2C2 does actively work with non-government entities and media outlets to raise awareness amongst consumers about the dangers of counterfeit auto parts. Some recent examples include:

• https://www.investigatetv.com/2025/02/03/taking-advantage-that-trusted-brand-counterfeit-auto-parts-pose-serious-risks-drivers/
• https://www.aftermarketmatters.com/national-news/new-campaign-puts-the-brakes-on-fakes-for-counterfeit-auto-parts/
• https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/counterfeit-car-airbags-deaths-8e0d9d65?page=1

Q:What are some of the emerging and ongoing factors that contribute to the increase in counterfeit products?

A:Several other challenges complicate the fight against counterfeits, including:

• Counterfeiting (for non-legal audiences): International Trademark Association Fact Sheet
• Pricing: Consumers should be cautious of significantly discounted parts and compare them with quality OEM and aftermarket replacement parts.
• Drop Shippers: With the rise of e-commerce, third-party sellers increasingly use drop-ship facilities to conceal their identities and the origins of their goods. Like e-commerce platforms, drop shippers should be responsible for what they distribute.
• Growing social media marketplaces: Social media connects consumers to counterfeiters globally, making monitoring difficult, particularly with the prevalence of private groups on these platforms.
• The Rise of False Reviews: The incidence of false reviews is on the rise, as sellers increasingly have the means to engage individuals with offers of free products or other incentives in exchange for favorable reviews
• Advances in 3-D Printing and Similar Technology: New design and manufacturing technologies simplify part replication, increasing counterfeit production.
• Data Privacy Laws: New regulations are limiting the capacity of e-commerce platforms to share information about counterfeiters with rights holders.
• Cryptocurrency and Anonymous Transactions: Digital currencies allow counterfeiters to operate anonymously, complicating authorities' efforts to track and stop illegal activities.
• AI-Generated Listings and Misleading Information: AI-powered tools are being used to create realistic product listings, customer service interactions and endorsements, which can potentially mislead consumers.
• Complex Global Supply Chains and Weak Enforcement: The complexity of international supply chains and inconsistent law enforcement across countries enable counterfeit goods to infiltrate legitimate distribution channels more easily