'Undetectable workshops' of counterfeit goods are spreading in China
A new generation of counterfeiters is emerging in China's manufacturing hub along the Pearl River. Small, independent, and discreet workshops operate outside traditional networks. They produce high-quality replicas of mid- and premium-priced fashion items and market them directly to Western consumers. Undetected by customs, these ateliers avoid inspections thanks to a decentralized structure and hidden digital channels, writes La Conceria.
Some call them "upgrades." Because, unlike mass-produced counterfeiters, the new counterfeiters don't focus on crude copies or indistinguishable "superfakes."
They offer high-quality, affordable replicas aimed at an informed, but not elite, audience. The production process is meticulous. These ateliers purchase the original product, disassemble it, examine the materials and finishes, and then create molds and prototypes. Each model requires time and investment, so the catalog is limited, and production is by pre-order.
The key cities where these ateliers are located are Dongguan, Foshan, and Putian. Here, among hidden warehouses and hidden digital profiles, counterfeiters operate virtually in plain sight. They pose as legitimate sellers, use platforms like Weidian and 1688, and communicate via Weibo or private chats.
However, these ateliers don't advertise publicly. Instead, they rely on word of mouth and select communities. On the American social media platform Reddit, for example, users actively share reviews of these products, compare logos, and report suppliers. These suppliers are intermediaries, such as Pandabuy, MuleBuy, or ACBuy. These companies purchase goods from ateliers in China on behalf of the buyer, checking quality, offering temporary storage, and managing shipments.
The new wave of counterfeit goods poses a serious threat to genuine goods. It is noted that the number of counterfeit seizures in Europe is growing: in 2025, more than 1,8 million items worth €180 million were confiscated.
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