Yes, counterfeit bearings are a real thing! 

South Africa is being flooded with cheap, inferior-quality bearings, primarily manufactured in China, labelled and packaged to look like premium brands. Often, it’s not possible to tell the difference between an authentic and counterfeit bearing. So, where do you turn?

“Constraints in the supply chain and cost saving pressures are just some of the issues facing procurement departments of manufacturers in today’s economic environment,” says Ross Trevelyan, Managing Director of B2K. “It’s no surprise that we’re seeing an uptick in the unintended purchase of counterfeit bearings from untrusted suppliers who promise very attractive prices and almost unbelievable delivery times. 

“Unfortunately, if something seems too good to be true, it usually is. As a buyer, you can go from hero to zero quickly if you fall victim to an unscrupulous supplier who sells you an inferior quality counterfeit bearing.”

We outline the risks associated with counterfeit bearings:

Machinery reliability

Counterfeit bearings lack the precision engineering and quality control of authentic ones, leading to premature wear, unexpected downtime, and even catastrophic failures. These can compromise your entire operation and result in significant financial losses.

Health and safety

Poor-quality counterfeit bearings can cause machinery malfunctions, posing severe health and safety risks to workers. Equipment breakdowns or accidents can result in injuries or fatalities, legal liabilities, and reputational damage.

Environmental impact

Malfunctioning machinery caused by counterfeit bearings can lead to spills, leaks, and other environmental hazards. Remediating the damage can be costly and may attract regulatory fines.

Increased operational costs

While counterfeit bearings may initially seem cost-effective, their use often leads to higher operational costs. Frequent replacements, increased maintenance, and unplanned downtime can quickly erode any savings. Repairs and potential legal issues can far exceed the price difference between counterfeit and genuine bearings.

To protect your operations from counterfeit bearings, consider these tips:

Buy from authorised distributors

Purchase bearings only from authorised distributors verified by bearing manufacturers (OEMs) to guarantee authenticity.

Authenticate before installing

If you doubt the authenticity of your bearings, use the SKF Authenticate app for iOS and Android to verify them before installation, ensuring peace of mind. Other premium-bearing manufacturers have similar online apps. 

If in doubt, contact an authorised distributor or the manufacturer directly

If you suspect you are being offered counterfeit bearings or need help verifying their authenticity, seek expert guidance and support.

By staying vigilant and sourcing from authorised distributors, you can safeguard your business and ensure machinery longevity and efficiency. 

“Don’t compromise on quality,” says Ross. “Choose genuine bearings to keep your operations running smoothly.” 

For more information or assistance, download the SKF Authenticate app or contact the B2K team today to protect your operations and invest in genuine solutions.