Chemours works with Chinese authorities to shut down counterfeit Viton production

WILMINGTON, Del.—Chemours Co. worked with law enforcement in northern China to shut down what it said was a large-scale operation producing counterfeit Viton-brand fluoroelastomers.

The chemical plant in question was selling product that was falsely bearing Chemours' trademarks for its Viton FreeFlow-brand FKM, accfording to a Dec. 18 Chemours news release.

Authorities discovered a substantial quantity of counterfeit fluoroelastomer at the factory, Chemours said, including 4.7 metric tons of finished products and 9 tons of raw materials that could be used to make about 20 tons of finished products. Authorities also found packaging materials and related business documents.

Wilmington-based Chemours said the value of the counterfeit products was reported to be in the millions of dollars.

"This operation represents a significant stride in our ongoing battle against counterfeit production and the illicit trade of fake goods," said Eric von Brockdorff, Chemours global product and business director. "Counterfeit goods, especially in the chemical sector, pose substantial risks to safety, product quality and the reputation of authentic products. The success of this interdiction also underscores the importance of our collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies in combating counterfeit production"

The plant and its affiliated entities allegedly bought genuine Viton FreeFlow fluoroelastomer from local Chemours subsidiaries to help conceal their counterfeiting operations.

Local police—working with Chemours' local counsel and a subsidiary—have thus far apprehended two people who face charges related to the alleged illegal production and distribution of counterfeit goods, according to Chemours. Their identities are being withheld pending further investigation.

Products made with Viton FKMs retain their flexibility, shape and seal when exposed to chemicals and high temperatures, according to the firm's website. The FreeFlow extrusion process aids also improve processing, increase output and reduce waste.

The Viton business is part of Chemours' Advanced Performance Materials unit. Other brands under the Chemours name includes Teflong, Nalion, Krytox, Ti-Pure, Freon and Opteon.