Illicit Trade in Cleaning Products: Read Your Labels

Globally, the prevalence of illicit trade in cleaning products, in particular the production of counterfeit products, was exacerbated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and is of growing concern. Counterfeit products are goods manufactured or distributed under another company's brand without permission. Counterfeit cleaning products include, but are not limited to, toilet bowl cleaners, dishwashing liquid, all-purpose cleaners, anti-bacterial cleaners and sanitizers, degreasers, drain cleaners, stain removers, window cleaners, bleach, and laundry detergents.?

Cleaning products are essential items in every household and the use of counterfeit cleaning agents pose serious risks to individual health and the health of our environment. The World Customs Organization's 2021 Illicit Trade Report lists numerous cases of household cleaning products which contain dangerous ingredients, and whose effects range from light injuries to fatalities. Counterfeit cleaning products are not tested or approved by competent authorities. Therefore, in using these substandard products, consumers may expose themselves and family members to harmful substances which, if not handled appropriately, can lead to mild or severe health consequences, including irritation to the skin, eyes, or throat and, in extreme cases, fatality.?

Additionally, after using these counterfeit products, consumers are often still exposed to the bacteria, germs, viruses and other microorganisms they hoped to get rid of. The absence of regulatory testing of these products, therefore, affects the integrity of the brand that it aims to copy, resulting in dissatisfied consumers. The domino effect of this reduced consumer confidence is loss of revenue, jobs, foreign exchange and intellectual property.?

In light of this, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, through the Anti-Illicit Trade Task Force is working with stakeholders to combat the illicit trade of counterfeit cleaning agents.?

Members of the public are encouraged to purchase products from reputable retailers and distributors. Further, to avoid counterfeit goods, consumers should inspect packages carefully before they make purchases and look for the following:?

• Grammatical and/or spelling errors
• Incorrect or missing information on labels, particularly physical addresses and contact details of the manufacturer or distributor?
• Unusually low prices and too-good-to-be-true deals
• Incorrect fonts and colours used for logos, brand names and trademarks
• Missing safety seals, where applicable

It is especially important to read labels thoroughly and ensure they include the product's:?

• Information and instructions written in English
• Brand name or trade name
• Common name
• Manufacturer, importer or distributor name and address
• Country of origin?
• Net quantity?
• Active ingredients
• Instructions for use
• Batch number?
• Storage conditions
• Important messages, such as "KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN", "Read directions carefully before use" and first aid instructions?

As it relates to imported cleaning products, especially those manufactured in the United States of America, ensure that any disinfectant purchased has an EPA registration number listed on its label. This number signifies that the product has been thoroughly tested and approved by the EPA for use.?

Join us as we continue to examine other key areas currently impacted by illicit trade in Trinidad and Tobago.?

If you suspect items are being illicitly traded, you can make an anonymous report by calling 800-TIPS (8477) or sending a tip online at www.crimestopperstt.com