Counterfeiting in the aftermarket is a $12 billion global problem each year for the automotive parts industry, according to the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), which is teaming up with the Department of Homeland Security to address the worldwide problem.

Hosted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and organized by MEMA’s Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the

Sept. 9 seminar will take place at the Dearborn Inn, in Dearborn, Mich. Featured speakers include customs officers and other government agents responsible for the detection of counterfeit automotive products.

MEMA has been pushing for more stringent criminal laws against aftermarket counterfeiting and increased government pressure on protecting international intellectual property standards as U.S. companies compete globally.

The AASA is one of MEMA’s three market segment associations. Visit www.mema.org or contact the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement at www.ice.gov for more information