Eaton, a leader in intelligent power management, has unveiled its innovative Eaton Asset Manager application, aimed at assisting the commercial and construction sectors in verifying the authenticity of electrical products. This new tool is designed to bolster safety and compliance by providing a reliable method to authenticate genuine, tested, and safe electrical protection devices.
Counterfeit goods are a global concern, with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reporting that the counterfeit goods trade reached $509 billion in 2019, representing 3.3% of global trade. Europol’s 2021 report links counterfeiting to organized crime, highlighting the severe risks and damages caused by these illegal activities.
The Middle East also faces significant challenges with counterfeit goods, but authorities are actively addressing the issue. The Global Organized Crime Index 2023 notes frequent large-scale seizures of counterfeit goods, including electrical items, in Kuwait. Additionally, Dubai Police’s Economic Crimes Department seized counterfeit goods worth approximately AED 8.7 billion (around USD 2.3 billion) from 2019 to 2024, while Saudi Arabia has confiscated over 41 million counterfeit items.
Qasem Noureddin, Managing Director of Eaton Middle East, emphasized the dangers of counterfeit products, stating, “Counterfeiting is a crime that endangers lives and properties. At Eaton, we are deeply committed to the fight against counterfeit products to protect our customers and their investments. We urge all stakeholders to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions.”
Counterfeit electrical products, often made from substandard materials and lacking essential safety components, pose severe risks including fire, electrocution, and potentially loss of life. Businesses involved with counterfeit products risk their reputation and face legal consequences including prosecution and imprisonment.
Eaton’s new Eaton Asset Manager mobile app is designed to help users authenticate genuine Eaton products. By scanning a product’s QR code or using the app’s search functionalities, users can access product information, manage their products, and ensure they are using safe, genuine Eaton components.
Simon T. Bircham, Brand Protection Manager for Eaton EMEA, remarked, “The Eaton Asset Manager app empowers users to verify the authenticity of our products easily, ensuring that they are protected against the dangers of counterfeit electrical components.”
Eaton encourages all industry professionals to download and utilize the Eaton Asset Manager app to make informed, safe choices. The app provides the necessary tools and information to verify and manage products effectively throughout their lifecycle.