The Korean Customs Service has detected carcinogenic substances in counterfeit earrings. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan. 24 (Korea Bizwire) — The Korean Customs Service has detected carcinogenic substances, including lead and cadmium, in counterfeit earrings being distributed in the country.
In November of last year, the agency intercepted 142,930 items infringing intellectual property rights, including counterfeits imported into South Korea. Upon analyzing 83 products that come into direct contact with the skin, 25 were found to contain lead and cadmium levels exceeding safety standards.
This crackdown coincided with major overseas discount events like China’s Single’s Day and the American Black Friday, targeting express and postal shipments as well as general imports. The main counterfeit items seized included clothing (40%), stationery (16%), accessories (14%), and keychains (8%).
The Korea Customs Service found that the counterfeit items contained lead and cadmium levels ranging from a minimum of twice to a maximum of 930 times the standard limit.
“The trend of purchasing luxury brand knock-offs, especially among the younger generation, is alarming.” (Image courtesy of Korea Customs Service)
Particularly concerning were counterfeit earrings from luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Chanel. Out of 24 counterfeit earrings tested, 20 (83%) contained cadmium, and in three of these cases, lead exceeding the standard limit was also found.
Additionally, a Chanel brooch was found to contain lead at 153 times the standard limit, and some counterfeit bags and wallets also exceeded the permissible levels of lead and cadmium.
Officials from the Korea Customs Service expressed concern, stating, “The trend of purchasing luxury brand knock-offs, especially among the younger generation, is alarming. The circulation and consumption of counterfeit products not only infringe on intellectual property rights but also pose a serious threat to public health.”
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
