New safety alert to garages after fake car parts raid

4 November 2025  

Fake vehicle parts continue to pose a threat to garages and motorists, with the revelation that more than 3,600 counterfeit components have been seized in a raid in South Gloucestershire.

The ‘branded’, potentially lethal fakes, including spark plugs, oil filters and sensors worth over £100,000, were removed by trading standards officials from a self-storage facility operated by a trader in an operation supported by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

Officers also discovered counterfeit parts in plain packaging alongside sheets of unused counterfeit labels.

The raid came more than a year after Aftermarket revealed that UK authorities were launching a renewed campaign alerting garages and consumers to the risks of counterfeit automotive parts on the market, 

The South Gloucestershire operation, supported by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) through the Tick Box Scheme, involved enforcement teams from eight major car manufacturers. Targeting a sophisticated counterfeiting operation, it uncovered illegal parts ready for widespread distribution. 

According to a recent IPO survey, one in six motorists bought a counterfeit part in the previous 12 months alone. Many did so unknowingly, only finding out the part was fake when it faulted, or during routine service checks.

‘Raising awareness’

IGA director Jonathan Douglass said: “Independent workshops are on the frontline of vehicle safety, and it’s vital they have the knowledge and tools to protect their customers.

“Our ongoing work with the IPO is helping raise awareness across the independent garage sector. By staying alert to the risks and sourcing only from trusted suppliers, garages can safeguard their customers, their businesses, and Britain’s roads.”

The IGA is urging all independent garages to familiarise themselves with the IPO’s guidance on how to spot and report counterfeit parts. Warning signs include vague product descriptions, poor-quality packaging, missing safety information, and unfamiliar or misspelled branding.