News Today: Authorities Seize Over 3,000 Fake Imported Gas Stoves in Sri Lanka

The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) in Sri Lanka has carried out a major crackdown on counterfeit goods, sealing a large-scale warehouse in the Grandpass area that was allegedly producing fake imported gas stoves for market release. Acting on a credible tip-off, officials discovered over 3,000 gas stoves falsely labelled as foreign-manufactured products.

Investigations revealed that while some stove parts had been legitimately imported, many other components were sourced from various local suppliers. These were then assembled locally and packaged with misleading foreign branding, giving the false impression of premium imported products. Even the packaging materials and accompanying documentation were produced and printed locally to complete the deception.

According to reports, the company could not provide any import-related documents or distribution licenses. Moreover, they failed to produce the mandatory Sri Lanka Standards (SLS) certificate, a legal requirement for businesses selling gas stoves in the country.

The Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court issued an order to seal the premises immediately after the raid. Officials from the CAA confirmed that the seized products were intended for widespread distribution and could have entered the market within days, potentially deceiving thousands of unsuspecting consumers.

Just last week, another raid by the CAA in the same region led to the seizure of a similar batch of unverified gas stoves. Authorities have warned that such deceptive trade practices not only violate consumer protection laws but also pose significant safety risks due to untested and uncertified equipment.

The CAA has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious sales of gas stoves or other appliances lacking proper certification. The investigation into the suppliers, import channels, and local manufacturers involved is still ongoing, with possible prosecutions expected in the coming weeks.