How to identify counterfeit car seats
A dangerous trend has emerged online: counterfeit car seats. These fake products look like popular, trusted brands, but they lack the essential safety features, testing, and engineering required to protect a child in a crash.
What are counterfeit car seats?
Counterfeit car seats are child safety seats designed to resemble legitimate, federally approved products. While they may look convincing, they do not meet U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) – the standard all child-restraints must pass before being sold in the United States.
These fake car seats are often made from low-quality materials, have design flaws, and are missing key safety features. Most concerning, they have not been tested, and there is no evidence they can protect a child in a crash or collision.
In recent years, counterfeit car seats have flooded popular online marketplaces, like Temu, TikTok Shop, and Amazon. These products are often promoted and sold as budget-friendly alternatives to name brands.
Distinguishing a counterfeit car seat from a legitimate seat has become more challenging as counterfeiters copy brand logos, mimic certification labels, and use vague or misleading language to appear credible.
To help families stay protected, the Stead Family Children’s Hospital Child Passenger Safety team recently examined a counterfeit seat pulled from the marketplace and outlined several key tips to help you when purchasing a car seat.
How to spot a counterfeit car seat
Legitimate car seats rarely sell for an extremely low price, due to the quality materials and safety inspections required to receive certification.
U.S - compliant car seats will always include a manual and registration card as well as manufacturing details and height and weight limits.
This is typically a white label with detailed safety language on the car seat. Please note that foreign certifications, including European, are not compliant and cannot be legally used in the U.S.
Look for the statement on the car seat: “This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.”
A compliant car seat label may have other languages included, but written English will always be present. Images should always have written text included.
Look for things like a chest clip, sturdy buckle, and thick harness straps. U.S. compliant car seats will have a chest clip and metal splitter plate.
This includes Amazon, TikTok Shop, Temu, and even community online swap pages. Purchasing your car seat from a trusted and designated retailer, or through the manufacturer’s website is the best way to make sure your car seat is certified.
What to do if you suspect your car seat is counterfeit
If something doesn’t feel right about your car seat:
- Stop using the seat immediately
- Contact the suspected manufacturer to verify authenticity
If you determine your car seat to be counterfeit:
- Report it to the company you purchased it from
- Immediately dispose of the seat. If possible, remove critical pieces to ensure no future use.
- Replace the seat with a verified and properly tested model
Counterfeit car seats are a growing threat to children’s safety. Remember to always check labels, purchase from a trusted retailer, and stay vigilant with deals that may be too good to be true.
Not sure if your car seat is complaint? Contact a Stead Family Children’s Hospital Child Passenger Safety Technician to schedule a free seat check.
