A significant seizure of counterfeit parts in Melbourne earlier this year has given Toyota Australia added impetus in the fight against the illegal imports.

A shipment of approximately 4300 parts was confiscated from the importer, who owns a small repair workshop in the Melbourne area.

The counterfeit parts primarily consisted of oil filters and a substantial number of brake pads, which are important components in the safe operation of a vehicle.

In a determined effort to minimise the number of counterfeit parts hitting local shores, Toyota parts specialists have briefed Australian Customs inspectors on telltale signs that identify parts as counterfeit.

Toyota Australia is regularly being notified of the importation of counterfeit vehicle parts, says Divisional Manager for Toyota's Customer Service Division, Matthew Callachor.

When the Melbourne haul was seized by Customs for investigation, it was clear to Toyota's parts specialist team the parts had not been manufactured by Toyota.

"There are usually inconsistencies with markings on packaging material and the parts themselves, indicating that parts are counterfeit," said Mr Callachor.

"It is often quite obvious to us that certain parts are not authentic Toyota items, but to busy workshop owners, or an untrained eye, it would be easy to overlook.

"It is difficult to trace or measure the trade in counterfeits, but it is worrying nonetheless, as these parts are of poor quality and can end up where we least desire them - in Toyota vehicles," he said.

"Counterfeit parts are made cheaply overseas and are offered on the Australian market for a fraction of the price of Toyota's Genuine parts.

"Often there is no way of ascertaining the quality of material, testing
process or reliability of the parts.

"This is of particular concern, as the inferior quality of a part may directly affect vehicle safety," Mr Callachor said.

The Melbourne importer voluntarily forfeited the seized goods and provided information about the supplier, located in China.

Toyota Motor Corporation is seeking to take measures to ensure the Chinese supplier ceases to manufacture counterfeit parts.

Customs have seized several other significant shipments of counterfeit parts entering the country through various means.

As the importing and sale of counterfeit parts is illegal, Toyota Australia in no way endorses or authorises the sale or fitment of counterfeit parts to Toyota vehicles.

Toyota recommends that only Toyota Genuine Parts should be fitted to Toyota vehicles during repair and servicing, and they are available at all Toyota dealerships.