Authorities seized 1,463 refurbished appliances, all in
violation of safety regulations and lacking licenses from brand owners. The
goods, many of unknown origin, were considered a threat to consumer safety and
the broader national economy.
The operation followed detailed investigations by the
agency’s General Investigations Department, which revealed the presence of an
unlicensed facility refurbishing used and damaged appliances. These appliances
were modified, repainted, and sold as new under the names of major brands.
The seized products included refrigerators, stoves, air
conditioners, and washing machines, all prepared for distribution to consumers
under counterfeit labels.
Following legal authorization, the agency launched a raid on
the facility. The individuals in charge admitted they lacked any licenses to
use brand names and confirmed ownership of both the facility and the seized
goods. They also acknowledged using faulty or second-hand appliances, making
superficial improvements, and reselling them as new, along with goods of
unknown origin bearing false product information.
Officials said the facility used the names of well-known
brands without authorization to deceive consumers and generate illicit profits.
A large number of counterfeit energy efficiency labels were also found, used
without approval from the Egyptian Organization for Standardization and
Quality.