Philips Backs OEMs Fight against Counterfeits with SMS Code

Following the increasing spate of faking and counterfeiting of technology, Royal Philips has introduced innovative hologram security stickers (for lamps) and a unique 16-digit code validation code for the lighting products aimed at aiding consumers easily and instantaneously identify originals.

The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) statistics shows that in 2011 about 85% of goods in circulation in Nigeria were substandard and counterfeits; although the number has come down to 40% in 2014, but it still implies that four out of ten products are counterfeits.

Also Philips in its internal research report in West Africa found that most fake products exist in the informal trading markets rather than in the modern retailers, while the best performing products where consumers demand high tends to fall prey to counterfeiters include, dry irons, blenders, kettles and Philips AVENT baby bottles.

Speaking at the launch of Philips’ “Buy Original” Campaign in Lagos, Chioma Iwuchukwu-Nweke, general manager, Personal Health, Philips West Africa, said that the economic threats of counterfeiters and fakers highlight the need for combined efforts of the government, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and consumers in the fight against the saboteurs.

Iwuchukwu-Nweke said, most times, “Consumers are not aware that they are buying counterfeit products; Philips wants to put consumers in a position that they are confident that they are purchasing an original Philips product. A genuine product is subject to quality and safety control and will protect the consumers and their family. It also provides customers the after sales guarantee and the peace of mind that the after sales commitment will be honoured”.

Collaborating Iwuchukwu-Nweke comments, Mr. Felix Darko, general manager, Philips Lighting, West Africa, said that in Nigeria and other countries, a number of the Company’s lighting products sold are counterfeits.

He said, “Cheap components found in the counterfeits lamps, such as the driver which regulates electrical voltage, cause the lamp to fail well before its stated lifetime. Also, it can prove to be hazard, because construction. Counterfeits are therefore dangerous to consumers”.

To this end, he said, “Philips is also setting up a SMS number for verification of the Philips Lighting portfolio in case of doubt; the consumer (Nigeria) has to send a 16-digit serial number to the lightning product via SMS…they will receive immediate feedback on whether the product they are planning to buy or have bought is genuine or fake”.