We held the event "A decision that saves lives: let's say NO to counterfeiting"

• 43% of accidents related to fraudulent energy use have resulted in burns according to records from the Superintendence of Public Utilities.
• Using unauthorized, fraudulent, or uncertified cables in electrical installations increases the possibility of short circuits and fires, posing a threat to the safety of both people and their property.

Colombia, June 2024. Currently, there is a nationwide worrying situation  that impacts the well-being and health of Colombian people and homes.   This is the growing use of pirated and illegal products and services, such as cables for electrical installations, which are promoted as certified when in reality they are not. This problem not only has economic and energy saving consequences, but also presents risks to human safety.

Counterfeit electrical cables are a latent threat of great concern to the energy sector and electrical wiring industries. According to the Superintendency of Public Utilities, 43% of accidents in the country that are related to the fraudulent use of energy have resulted in burns, which underlines the seriousness of this problem

According to the Official Fire Department of Bogotá, on average, they attend to 1,650 fires per year. Of which by the end of 2022, 45% are caused by electrical failures (including incorrect electrical connections, use of substandard and/or counterfeit products, among others). Of these, 58% occur in residential infrastructure.

Starting from this problem, we carried out the event “A live-saving decision: Let's say NO to counterfeiting” within the framework of the World Day Against Counterfeiting and Piracy, which is commemorated every June 8. This space had the purpose of informing, analyzing and discussing the consequences of the acquisition and use of counterfeit products.

The event was held in two different spaces and, in parallel, bringing together our different stakeholders: electrical technicians, distributors, hardware stores, press, unions, local authorities, members of the Fire Department, representatives of companies in the electrical sector, among others.

As part of this day, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a tour of our plant, where they learned in detail the processes and quality standards with which the brand's products are manufactured. Subsequently, through an experience zone, people learned more about our innovations and the risks of buying counterfeit products.

Additionally, we reaffirm our commitment to confront counterfeiting presenting the solution Nexans Plus Line, that includes a digital development in alliance with Authentic Vision, a special label that contains a security hologram and a QR code with unique information of each roll of product, which allows the authenticity of Centelsa by Nexans products to be validated. People only have to scan through the mobile application available on Centelsa by Nexans web portal – Nexans Linea Plus solution, and verify that the product is original.

About Centelsa by Nexans:

For over a century, Nexans has played a crucial role in electrifying the planet and is committed to electrifying the future. With around 28,000 people in 42 countries, the Group leads the way toward a safe, sustainable, renewable, decarbonized, and accessible electric world. In 2023, Nexans generated sales of €6.5 billion.

The Group is a leader in designing and manufacturing wiring systems and services in four main areas: Building & Territories, Power generation and transmission, Distribution, Usage, and Industry solutions. Nexans is the first company in its industry to create a foundation that supports sustainable initiatives to provide energy access to disadvantaged communities worldwide. 

The Group is recognized on the CDP Climate Change A List as a global leader in climate action and has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Nexans has been present in Colombia since 2008, and in April 2022, it completed the acquisition of the premium cable manufacturer Centelsa, with the firm intention to continue electrifying the future of Colombia and Latin America. Thus, the Group expects to consolidate its value offer throughout the electrification chain, reaffirming its role as a strategic partner in the energy transition of the region.