An Empirical Analysis of Regulatory Enforcement and Institutional Frameworks in Controlling Counterfeit Automotive Spare Parts
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Counterfeit automotive parts threaten road safety and drain fiscal revenue in emerging markets. This study evaluates how Tanzania’s regulatory enforcement and institutional architecture influence counterfeit-spare-part prevalence in Dar es Salaam. A mixed-methods design combined 100 structured questionnaires, 20 key-informant interviews, and laboratory tests on 25 market-purchased components. Survey data were analyzed with χ², t, OLS, and logistic regression; interviews were thematically coded in NVivo, and conformity tests followed OEM standards. Results show a 55 % mean Counterfeit-Prevalence Index and a 64 % laboratory failure rate, concentrated in high-turnover consumables. Each one-point rise on a five-point enforcement scale reduces counterfeit exposure by 9.2 percentage points (β = –9.16, p < .001), yet perceived inspection remains low beyond port gates. Interviews cite manpower shortages, token fines, and HS-code mis-declaration as key enablers. The findings call for profit-scaled penalties, a specialized IP court, AI risk-profiling with devanning-yard scanners, blockchain traceability, and a nationwide QR/USSD “Scan Before You Fit” campaign to couple stronger deterrence with informed demand.
Authors: Winifrida Kihwili, Lucas Mwisila
Language: English
Topic: Intellectual Property Law
Subfield: Law
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4414474242
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