Basic HTML Version
74
MOTORINDIA
l
July 2012
ACMA and SIAM join hands to
curb counterfeiting
The Indian automotive industry has called for im-
mediate Government intervention for amendments in
the existing legislations to contain sale of counterfeits.
ACMA and SIAM, the two apex bodies spearheading
the sector, are extremely concerned over the growing
rate of spurious auto parts currently accounting for 36
per cent of the Rs. 330 billion Indian aftermarket.
At a national seminar to commemorate the World Anti
Counterfeiting Day held on June 8, both them shared the
global concern over the impact counterfeits have on the
trade and economy of a country.
Commending the automotive sector as one of the
frontier sectors in its vibrant mode, Mr. Ambuj Sharma,
Joint Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public
Enterprises, called for continued initiatives by the apex
bodies on consumer awareness programs and for im-
provement in enforcement measures through establish-
ment of special courts that could specifically address the
issue of counterfeiting.
He also stated that his Ministry, along with the Minis-
try of Road Transport and Highways, is already working
with ACMA and SIAM for a time-bound roadmap on
amendments to the existing enactments.
The seminar on anti-counterfeiting jointly conducted
by ACMA and SIAM has taken a critical look at the dis-
pensation of enactments listed in the White Paper with
the industry’s resolve to contain this menace.
Notable amongst these enactments has been the in-
dustry’s demand to amend the Motor Vehicles Act that
lays down standards for components and parts for motor
vehicles. The Act, the industry feels, should be intended
not only to regulate completely assembled vehicles but
also apply to components used or intended for use in
vehicles, including parts sold in the aftermarket.
According to Mr. Arvind Kapur, ACMA President, as
per industry primary research findings, counterfeit sales
is causing a loss to the Government exchequer to the
tune of INR 31 billion per annum with an employment
loss estimated at over 1.15 million jobs, consumption of
additional 109 million litres of petrol and 8 million litres
of diesel per annum. The use of counterfeits resulted in
25,400 deaths and more than 93,000 injuries in 2009.
Mr. S. Sandilya, SIAM President, stated that the auto
industry is spending big sums on technology to support
the environment cause and for making the world a better
place for future generations. Counterfeits act for just the
opposite cause, and hence the SIAM decision to work
on this area seriously.
Over 100 delegates comprising members from the au-
tomotive fraternity, senior officials from the concerned
ministries, automotive research bodies, dealers and dis-
tributors took part in the one-day national event.
w
Mr. Ambuj Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Heavy In-
dustries & Public Enterprises, addressing the seminar
focus on aftermarket
ACMA conducted an extensive primary research last year
to understand the impact of counterfeits with its findings
through a White Paper that highlighted the various en-
actments under the existing legislative framework with
suggested recommendations and a rationale for such
recommendations.