Counterfeit Bearings Seized in Major Industrial Safety Operation

Taizhou, April 20, 2025 – Chinese authorities have uncovered a major counterfeit operation in the industrial sector, as more than 3,000 fake bearings were seized during a law enforcement raid in Taizhou. The investigation, launched by Harbin Bearing Group (HRB), exposed a years-long scheme by Taizhou Yinye Bearing Co. to sell counterfeit bearings under the guise of a reputable brand.

The case unfolded after HRB’s market monitoring team flagged suspicious shipments as part of their ongoing efforts to combat counterfeiting. HRB’s internal specialists gathered concrete evidence pointing to unauthorized use of their trademark, prompting the decisive enforcement action. The seized products — spanning over 160 different models — had been falsely labeled and distributed without meeting the quality or safety standards required for industrial use.

“The danger lies not just in trademark infringement but in the real threat these low-quality products pose to equipment and human life,” said Wu Minde, CEO of Jianlong HRB. Unlike certified HRB bearings, the counterfeits had bypassed critical quality control procedures. Their use in sectors such as manufacturing and transportation could lead to catastrophic equipment failures, accidents, and even loss of life.

Officials stressed that counterfeit bearings are especially dangerous due to their near-identical appearance to legitimate products, making detection difficult without technical verification. This deception puts unsuspecting buyers — and their operations — at serious risk.

Authorities and industry experts urge businesses to purchase bearings and other critical components exclusively through authorized channels. Verifying product documentation and sourcing from official suppliers are essential steps to prevent financial losses and safeguard industrial operations.