Appleby Horse Fair traders urged to avoid counterfeit goods
Trading Standards offer guidelines for safe and genuine sales
Trading Standards officers are advising traders at the upcoming Appleby Horse Fair to ensure their goods are legitimate and safe for consumers.
Concerns have been raised regarding counterfeit products, including alcohol, tobacco, vapes, perfumes, cosmetics, toys, and branded electrical items, which can violate trademarks and pose significant health and safety risks.
Catherine Hornby, Trading Standards Manager at Westmorland and Furness Council, highlighted past incidents of counterfeit goods discovery.
She said, "Last year, Trading Standards officers seized counterfeit goods worth more than £38,000 at the Fair, including sunglasses falsely branded as Chanel, Ray-Ban, Celine, Prada, and Cartier."
Hornby emphasised the dangers associated with counterfeit products, stating that items like sunglasses lacking UV protection and untested cosmetics and electrical goods can be harmful.
"Our message to traders and consumers is simple: it’s just not worth the risk."
For consumer safety, Trading Standards officers encourage traders to purchase stock from reputable suppliers, obtain written assurances of product authenticity, verify goods with brand owners, and ensure accurate description and legality.
For toys and electrical items, traders should ensure products display manufacturer details, include serial or model numbers, and carry a UKCA or CE mark indicating compliance with safety standards.
Consumers concerned about counterfeit goods are advised to contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or visit the Citizens Advice website.
The Appleby Horse Fair, an annual event for Gypsies, Travellers, and Roma, runs from 4th to 10th June 2026, with the main days being 4th to 7th June.
The Multi Agency Strategic Coordinating Group oversees fair safety, involving various agencies led by Westmorland and Furness Council.