How to spot a counterfeit car seat: A Safety Guide
Counterfeit car seats are a growing problem due to online shopping. Though they may look legitimate, these seats often use poor-quality materials and haven't passed required safety tests. This creates serious danger for children during accidents.
Essential Warning Signs
Missing or Incorrect Safety Labels - Any legitimate car seat must display specific safety labels, including a yellow warning header stating "This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)." Watch for missing labels or those containing spelling and grammatical errors.
Lack of Required Documentation - Authentic car seats always include:
- Safety manual
- Registration card
- Unique serial number
Missing Safety Features - Legitimate U.S. car seats must have:
- A chest clip
- Standard harness straps
- Lower anchor connectors in the base
How to Verify Authenticity
Register Your Seat = Always register your car seat's serial number with the manufacturer. This confirms the number is legitimate and hasn't been previously registered, which could indicate a counterfeit.
Purchase from Reliable Sources - Be cautious of:
- Third-party sellers with unfamiliar names
- Generic brands
- Prices that seem too good to be true
Instead, purchase directly from manufacturers or authorized retailers. While online deals can be tempting, an unusually low price often signals a counterfeit product.
See Counterfeit Car Seats - Fact Sheet for more information
