KOMATSU
Komatsu Takes Initiative to Distinguish Genuine Parts from Counterfeit Parts
Spare parts for construction and mining equipment should be selected carefully, and of course, the best choice is to use Komatsu genuine parts to contribute to machines' total operating cost. Conversely, counterfeit parts have been flowing into the spare parts market all over the world. Some of these parts, including packaging, seem so real that it is difficult to recognize genuine parts from counterfeit ones. This can be confusing for customers when their equipment does not function as expected as a result of using counterfeit parts. In order to avoid confusion, Komatsu will make concerted efforts to distinguish Komatsu genuine parts from counterfeit parts.

Counterfeit Parts Contribute to Industrial Losses
In recent years, industrial losses caused by counterfeits have become more complex and widespread. According to the report of the World Custom Organization (WCO) and International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO), worldwide total transaction values of counterfeits in general reached over €500 billion in 2005 and are expected to increase even further in subsequent years. This growing trend is also the same for the construction and mining equipment industry.

Why are counterfeit parts not acceptable? The reason is simple. Komatsu cannot guarantee the quality of the machines in which counterfeit parts have been used. We have received many reports of damage caused by using counterfeits such as filters, oils and engine parts, which likely lead to serious damage to the main components.

Due to customer confusion and issues concerning intellectual property rights, we aim to do away with counterfeit parts as much as possible by taking decisive action.

Standardization of Packaging and Unique Labeling
We plan to establish an easier way to tell genuine and counterfeit parts apart. We will standardize the design of commercial packaging and utilize labeling with a special hologram so that anyone can distinguish genuine from counterfeit parts. We will start shipping spare parts with new labels sequentially from March 2008 followed by the introduction of a standard box design. For more details, ask your local Komatsu dealer/distributor.