Chinese e-commerce giant Temu is facing renewed criticism in South Africa after counterfeit products featuring the logos of major local brands and sports teams were found being sold on the platform.
The issue has raised concerns among businesses, industry groups, and consumers over intellectual property violations, product safety, and the growing impact of cheap non-compliant imports on local retailers.
Among the brands identified on Temu were popular South African sports teams including the Springboks, Sharks, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Kaizer Chiefs.
Products carrying the branding of Nando’s, Woolworths, and Buffelsfontein were also discovered on the platform.
According to South African technology publication MyBroadband, at least 10 major brands were found being used on knock-off merchandise after only a brief search on the marketplace.
The products reportedly included counterfeit supporter jerseys, branded bags, and various unofficial merchandise items.
Local businesses complain about unfair competition
The problem is not limited to large corporations.
Small and medium-sized South African businesses have increasingly complained that counterfeit and non-compliant imports are damaging legitimate local trade.
Many merchants say they spend substantial amounts of money complying with South African regulations, including obtaining Letters of Authority from the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS), type approval certifications from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), and other mandatory safety approvals.
Retailers and distributors argue that overseas platforms are allowing cheaper products to enter the market without meeting the same standards.
Some sellers have even turned to online forums asking how they can stop Temu from “stealing” or copying their brands.
Industry groups have also warned that non-compliant electrical products sold online may pose serious safety risks to consumers.
Energy sector analysts have cautioned that uncertified electronics could increase the risk of electrical faults, fires, and injuries.
South Africa’s concerns mirror similar complaints raised internationally as governments and regulators grapple with the rapid expansion of direct-import e-commerce platforms.
Temu says it is removing disputed listings
Members of the European Parliament recently visited China and discussed concerns about counterfeit and unsafe products being sold through large online marketplaces.
European Parliament member Dirk Gotink said companies such as Temu appeared willing to cooperate when confronted about the issue, but enforcement remained weak.
“You can find all kinds of fake, unsafe, and unhealthy products on platforms like Temu, and we have to do much more to stop it,” he said during an EPP Group podcast discussion.
MyBroadband contacted Temu to ask what systems it had in place to ensure products sold to South African consumers were authentic and properly licensed.
After receiving screenshots of suspected counterfeit items, Temu responded by stating that sellers are required to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and platform rules.
The company said the unauthorised use of intellectual property is prohibited and confirmed that the disputed listings were being removed as a precaution while further reviews take place.
Temu added that it uses a combination of automated detection systems and manual review processes to identify potentially infringing products.
The platform also encouraged rights holders to register their brands and submit takedown requests through its intellectual property protection portal.
In recent years, Temu has expanded rapidly across global markets and has increasingly faced scrutiny from regulators regarding counterfeit goods, consumer safety, and compliance with trademark laws.
The company says it is part of the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition (IACC) and supports broader industry efforts to combat counterfeit sales online.
Source: Adapted from reporting by MyBroadband and statements from Temu.