September 21, 2007 – Aurora, Colorado - Recent attention concerning counterfeit electrical products from China and other countries was the subject of a Professional Electrical Apparatus Recyclers League (PEARL) Special Meeting held this past week in Dallas, Texas.

PEARL President Bill Schofield stated, “Counterfeit products in the electrical marketplace provide potential safety issues to unsuspecting customers and create a negative image for resellers.” Schofield followed with, “It is our duty as an organization to be diligent in making sure that our members continue to maintain a strict policy of insuring that authentic product is bought and distributed by all PEARL Members.”

PEARL, from its inception, has taken steps to insure that counterfeit and unsafe electrical equipment does not make it into the marketplace and thus to users. PEARL members agree to strict technical and ethical standards in their business conduct. PEARL Reconditioning, Inspecting and Testing protocols, when followed, will prevent unsafe electrical product from being distributed and sold by its members.

PEARL wholly endorses efforts by all professional organizations and manufacturers to eliminate counterfeit or unsafe electrical product in the supply chain. The Special Meeting concluded by the Standards and Practices Committee adopting a pro-active policy of offering assistance and joint participation in these efforts with manufacturers and organizations.

About PEARL:
Founded in 1997, the Professional Electrical Apparatus Recyclers League (PEARL) creates, collects, and disseminates information, policies, procedures, and standards to ensure the proper recycling and reuse of electrical power equipment. Its 70+ corporate members must meet strict technical, safety, and operational requirements.

Editorial Contact Winn Hardin Marketing Director Tel: 904-246-8958 winnhardin@pearl1.org

Association Manager Mark Stone Tel: 877-AT-PEARL Fax: 888-996-3296 pearl@pearl1.org