Inspection of 16 Products on Platforms Like AliExpress and Temu
From Bags and Clothing to Small Home Appliances
Logo Shapes Differ and Product Names Are Misspelled
The Seoul Metropolitan Government inspected 16 branded products being sold at extremely low prices on overseas online platforms and confirmed that all of them were counterfeit.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on October 31, this inspection targeted 16 products from 12 brands sold on overseas online platforms such as Aliexpress and Temu. The Korea Apparel Testing & Research Institute (KATRI), a nationally accredited testing agency, examined seven bags, one clothing item, six cosmetics, and two small home appliances.
Counterfeit bags confirmed by the Seoul Metropolitan Government on overseas online platforms. Seoul Metropolitan Government
These products were being sold at prices 33% to 97% lower than their regular retail prices. However, in the case of bags and clothing, all eight products from five brands showed differences from genuine products in aspects such as design and labeling. The shape of the logos, product colors, and the appearance and color of components such as magnets, zippers, and bag strap connectors were different. Numerous typos were also found in labeling details such as fiber composition and product names.
In particular, when the same bag models were purchased from different platforms and inspected, the reasons for nonconformity with genuine products were identical, indicating the possibility of counterfeit goods being systematically distributed at the supply stage.
Counterfeit products were also found among cosmetics. All six basic cosmetic products from five brands were inconsistent with genuine items. The font of the product logos, the structure of labeling information, and the materials used for containers and packaging were different from the originals, and some products did not match the main ingredients. For example, while the genuine cleansing oil from one brand uses plant-based oils as its main ingredient, the tested product used mineral oil. Additionally, the appearance of the oil layer in a serum product differed from the genuine item. Differences in ingredients may lead to safety issues such as dermatitis or allergies.
Some small home appliances, including wireless earphones and hair dryers, also showed differences from genuine products in details such as logos, switch markings, and product finishes.
Experts noted that while the differences between counterfeit and genuine products are apparent when compared visually, it is difficult for consumers to recognize counterfeits online because sellers often use brand names or genuine product images without authorization. They advised that when using overseas direct purchase platforms, it is best to buy from official brand sellers, and that products offered at prices significantly lower than the regular price are highly likely to be counterfeit and should be approached with caution.
A Seoul Metropolitan Government official stated, "Based on the inspection results, we have requested that overseas online platforms suspend sales of these products," adding, "We will strengthen monitoring of overseas direct purchase products and work with platform operators to swiftly block the distribution of counterfeit goods, thereby creating an environment where consumers can shop online with confidence."
Counterfeit small home appliances identified by the Seoul Metropolitan Government on overseas online platforms. Seoul Metropolitan Government
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