Petzl has just released a public announcement about the discovery of counterfeit versions of a number of their climbing and personal protective equipment products. These counterfeit products are originating in China where the counterfeiting of products is a huge industry. While it certainly is a problem when a a counterfeit product life a golf club is sold, it's unlikely that anyone will die from using a counterfeit 9 iron. However, in this case there is serious risk to anyone using counterfeit versions of these products. Petzl is stepping in to deal with this issue quickly. As of February 12, 2011 only a few counterfeits have been found on the market and no counterfeit products have been identified in North America. There is currently no information on what country or countries counterfeit products were discovered in.

This does raise a serious new risk management concern for the entire outdoor industry. Most counterfeit products from China have focused on large volume consumer or high-priced luxury items. The idea that items like professional climbing equipment are seen as a lucrative market for counterfeiters should be a great concern to all of us.

Below is information from the Petzl Web site about the products in question. Please see the Petzl Web Site for the latest information.

Petzl has recently discovered Chinese counterfeit versions of the following products:

Potentially Counterfeit Petzl Products

These counterfeit products have serious defects that affect their performance and strength.
There is a significant risk that these counterfeit products could open or otherwise fail at low loads and under normal use:

  • These counterfeit products do not meet UIAA or CE safety standards.

  • These counterfeit products do not meet Petzl safety and quality requirements.

  • It will be very difficult for you to identify these fakes