Anti-Counterfeiting

Stop Fake Bearings

Counterfeit bearings have been deemed the single most important issue facing the global bearing industry. This issue is being addressed by domestically by ABMA and globally by the World Bearing Association (WBA).  

ABMA is a founding member of the World Bearing Association (WBA) that established an anti-counterfeiting program in 2009 with efforts in China and expanded to UAE, India and Brazil in recent years. The Anti-Counterfeiting committee focuses domestically on attacking the issue of counterfeit bearings and protecting the U.S. boarders. This committee has built an effective partnership with U.S. Customers and Boarder Protection within the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Center.

ABMA has made training and education its focus and has taken a two-pronged approach creating successful relationships with U.S. Government and Distributor partners. ABMA’s Customs Education Seminar has educated Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agents and Import Specialists, IPR Center Staff, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officials and Criminal Research Specialist about the issues surrounding counterfeit bearings leading to more effective enforcement at the borders and additional partnership opportunities. 

ABMA has also partnered with Bearings Specialists Association (BSA) through the committee to engage distributors and OEMs in the fight against this important issue.

Product piracy hurts

Don’t let fake bearings break your business. If you suspect that you may have purchased or distributed counterfeits, contact the World Bearing Association (WBA) immediately.

Together, we can find a way to avert greater damage to you and your customers. All our members have specialists on board, who can help you reliably recognize counterfeits, reduce the legal consequences and finally eliminate the fake products

Be aware of product piracy

Sometimes they are badly refurbished originals no longer meeting quality standards, sometimes they are just fake. Tons of low-quality bearings are labeled with false brand markings to justify a higher price. They look like, and are marketed as, genuine, premium brand products. Even the packaging is skillfully imitated. So let’s face it: fake bearings are difficult to detect. They won’t be scratched, rusty or dirty. They won’t necessarily even be cheaper. But still, beware of those “too good to be true” prices that are below market value and have unusual availability.

One effective way to identify counterfeit bearings with certainty is with the help of premium brand manufacturers. Companies participating in the WBA assist you and local law enforcement with information and identification of counterfeits, to help find and prosecute counterfeiters.

And please keep in mind: All suspicious activities need to be communicated first to the premium brand manufacturer and the authorities before you contact your distributor or supplier. Sharing suspicions with them may lead to destruction of evidence and hiding of information, putting investigations at risk.