BICSI and CCCA Collaborate on International Effort to Stop Counterfeit and Non-compliant Cables
Washington, DC (PRWEB) November 14, 2013 -- In response to increasing global distribution of counterfeit cable products, BICSI, the international association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment, announces that BICSI President Jerry Bowman, RCDD, NTS, RTPM, CISSP, CPP, CDCDP, presented on research and activities of the Communications Cable and Connectivity Association (CCCA) in fighting counterfeiting and substandard cabling at Europol’s Awareness and Knowledge Building Conference on Counterfeit Household Products and Fake Automotive Parts.
Held November 4-6, 2013, in Alicante, Spain, the conference included speakers from the European Union (EU), world law enforcement and customs officials such as Europol, Interpol, and World Customs Organization, as well as private sector experts from major household, industry and automotive brands.
“All ITS industry stakeholders are affected by counterfeit and substandard product,” stated BICSI President Bowman. “Everyone in the supply chain has a duty of care to ensure that the product they are purchasing or installing conforms with safety and quality standards and regulations. When a counterfeit product is installed it’s more than a performance issue—it can threaten the safety of the workplace and put the consumer at risk. CCCA has made significant strides in educating the ITS consumer and US law enforcement in order to ensure the consumer is not deceived into buying cabling that is counterfeit or does not meet advertised standards. While the work of CCCA is outside of BICSI’s charter, CCCA member cabling manufacturers and distributors have banded together to serve as the industry watchdog for these quality and safety issues. I am proud to have represented both organizations in educating the European law enforcement and customs officials about the roles of BICSI and CCCA in ensuring safety and quality of the ITS infrastructure.”
Frank Peri, CCCA's Executive Director said, "This is an excellent example of CCCA and BICSI leadership working together to educate international law enforcement on counterfeit cables that threaten a global industry and risk public safety. When the layers of protection to assure that cables meet essential transmission and fire safety requirements are circumvented by counterfeits, end users and the entire supply chain suffer. We are proud to collaborate with BICSI in an ongoing effort to protect legitimate brands, quality cable and connectivity products and public safety."
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About BICSI
BICSI provides information, education and knowledge assessment for individuals and companies in the information technology systems (ITS) industry. We serve more than 23,000 ITS professionals, including designers, installers and technicians. These individuals provide the fundamental infrastructure for telecommunications, audio/video, life safety and automation systems. Through courses, conferences, publications and professional registration programs, BICSI staff and volunteers assist ITS professionals in delivering critical products and services, and offer opportunities for continual improvement and enhanced professional stature.
Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, USA, BICSI membership spans nearly 100 countries.
For more information, contact BICSI at 800.242.7405 (USA and Canada toll-free) or +1 813.979.1991. You may also email bicsi(at)bicsi(dot)org.
About CCCA
CCCA is comprised of leading manufacturers, distributors and material suppliers who are committed to serve as a major resource for well-researched, fact-based information on the technologies and issues vital to the structured cabling industry. CCCA is proactive at codes and standards bodies and other trade, industry and governmental organizations in communicating and influencing policy and decisions affecting the quality, performance and societal needs of the structured cabling infrastructure.
CCCA member companies are Accu-Tech; AlphaGary; Anixter; Belden; Berk-Tek, a Nexans Company; Cable Components Group; comCables; CommScope; Daikin America; DuPont; 3M; General Cable; Optical Cable Corporation (OCC); OFS, a Furukawa Company; Panduit; PolyOne; Sentinel Connector Systems; Solvay Solexis; Superior Essex; TE Connectivity; The Siemon Company.
Headquarters: 1001 Pennsylvania NW, Washington, DC, 20004. For further information, visit the CCCA website http://www.cccassoc.org or contact Frank Peri, Executive Director at fperi(at)cccassoc(dot)org or by phone at (904) 223-4100.
Janet Crook, Communications Cable & Connectivity Asso, http://www.cccassoc.org/, +1 (904) 223-4100, [email protected]
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