Video reveals hazards of fake racing harnesses

A chilling video showing how fake motor racing harnesses could cause serious injury has been released by Carmarthenshire Trading Standards in Wales.

The counterfeit harnesses - bearing the Sabelt, Sparco and Takata brand names - have been sold on eBay and Facebook by a local trader, amongst a range of counterfeit car accessories and clothing.



The fake Sparco harness tested in the video failed comprehensively, and under normal use could cause death or serious injury, according to the Trading Standards team.

The trader at the centre of the investigation is not currently being identified pending possible prosecution, but the trading standards team are warning people about the fakes to prevent anyone being injured, or even killed, by using the harnesses unaware that they are dangerous.

Customers known to have bought the counterfeit Sparco, Sabelt and Takata harnesses from this trader have been advised to remove them from their vehicles immediately and seek civil advice.

Earlier this year, the SFI Foundation - a body which develops and administers standards for equipment used in motor sports - issued a warning about the rise of counterfeit products being sold online, noting this has become a "huge concern" to its member companies in recent years.