The largest source of counterfeit goods by far is China, though the business is becoming more widespread and sophisticated. Components of counterfeit products are shipped from country to country throughout the world for assembly and distribution, lessening the risk of seizure. Besides China, counterfeit exports have been traced to Russia, countries in the former Soviet bloc, India, the Philippines, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

Counterfeit products include baby food, toys, automobile and aircraft parts, electronics, tools, sporting goods, cosmetics, soap, medicines, footwear, cigarettes, clothing, batteries, jewelry, sunglasses, video discs, purses, shampoo, perfume, credit cards, pacemakers and software, among many others.

Automobile brakes made of compressed grass and wood have shown up in American stores, and other counterfeit auto parts look so good that even trained mechanics can't tell they are fake.

According to Loss Prevention Concepts Ltd., a Michigan consulting and intelligence-gathering organization, fraudulent parts have caused deaths from airline and auto accidents. LPC further reported: "Counterfeit shampoo has caused hair loss, counterfeit stomach medicine has caused ulcers, and counterfeit toys and baby foods have caused serious problems for children. Counterfeit clothing is generally quite shoddy and replica kids clothing usually is not flame retardant and can present a fire hazard. Likewise, counterfeit sunglasses are generally not shatterproof and often have no ultraviolet protection." http://www.washingtontimes.com/commentary/20070515-083952-9160r.htm

With GM and Ford saying they are going to buy auto parts from China, look for many accidents when someone buys one of their new cars!