Centelsa by Nexans Strengthens Its Commitment to Fighting Counterfeit Electrical Wires and Cables in Colombia

• The counterfeiting of wires and cables poses a severe risk to electrical safety, with 95% of electricians and hardware retailers citing short circuits as the primary danger.
• Centelsa by Nexans reaffirms its commitment to collaborating with public and private sectors to address this issue and promote a legal and safe market in Colombia.
• Centelsa by Nexans has launched new technology integrated into the Nexans App, helping end-users more accurately verify the authenticity of their electrical wires.

Bogotá, June 2025 – A persistent problem in Colombia continues to jeopardize the safety, health, and economy of millions of households: the use and sale of counterfeit electrical products. One of the most critical issues is electrical wires and cables being sold as certified products without meeting the technical standards required by national regulations.

The use of these adulterated products in electrical installations significantly increases the risk of serious accidents. According to Colombia's Superintendence of Public Services, 43% of historical incidents related to the illegal use of energy have resulted in burns, many with permanent consequences.

In response to this situation, Centelsa by Nexans is reaffirming its commitment to safety and legality. In an ongoing effort to combat the counterfeiting of wires and cables, the company led an informational panel for various sectors, presenting its technological advancements and solutions designed to guarantee product authenticity. These innovations aim to protect key industries like construction and provide electricians and companies with better tools to verify the quality and safety of electrical wires, especially those used in residential construction.

The use and counterfeiting of electrical wires and cables represent a grave threat to public safety and the energy sector. It not only endangers lives and property by increasing the likelihood of short circuits, fires, and the emission of toxic gases, but it also leads to higher energy losses and consumption compared to the performance of genuine cables.

To address this challenge, both the public and private sectors have joined forces to protect Colombian households and prevent accidents that could be avoided with original, certified products. During the event, a representative from Ipsos Colombia—a leading global market research firm—presented key data on the scope of counterfeiting. According to their research, the concern over counterfeit cables affects not only large companies but also electricians and hardware retailers, who warn of the risks in homes and buildings. A staggering 95% of these professionals identified short circuits as one of the main dangers associated with counterfeit products.

“The use of counterfeit products carries risks that can cost lives. That's why at Centelsa by Nexans, we are committed to coordinating efforts with various stakeholders to deepen our understanding of this issue and, most importantly, to implement decisive actions that mitigate its impact, building a safer and more responsible sector in Colombia,” stated Nathalia Rojas, Marketing Manager at Centelsa by Nexans.

Technological Innovation to Guarantee Authenticity

In line with this vision, Centelsa by Nexans has enhanced its offerings with a new technological solution that simplifies the verification of THHN/THWN-2 wires, which are primarily used in residential construction. This involves an integration within the Nexans App that allows buyers to scan the product directly to confirm its authenticity.

This development, the result of over two years of continuous research and collaboration between Nexans' design and research labs in Colombia and France, also incorporates cutting-edge technology throughout the manufacturing process. Above all, it ensures the product continues to meet the highest quality standards, a hallmark of the brand for 70 years.

This world-first advancement promises to strengthen the fight against counterfeiting in Colombia, contributing to a more transparent, legal, and secure market that protects consumers' lives.

In a major operation in early 2024, thanks to coordination with the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce and the National Police, one of the country's first precautionary measures was successfully enforced. Nearly 1,800 rolls of counterfeit cable, including spools imitating Centelsa by Nexans products, were removed from the market. This action resulted in the seizure of over five tons of copper, valued at approximately 300 million pesos, from various locations in Bogotá. This was just the beginning, as the brand has since pursued more than three legal actions aimed at closing establishments that distribute counterfeit products and confiscating их inventory.

In 2025, Centelsa by Nexans continues to reinforce its work for a safe, efficient, and legal market in Colombia, urging all actors in the supply chain to always verify the authenticity of the electrical products they purchase and install.

About Nexans

For over a century, Nexans has played a crucial role in the planet's electrification and is committed to electrifying the future. With approximately 28,000 people in 42 countries, the Group is leading the charge toward a new world of electricity: safe, sustainable, renewable, decarbonized, and accessible to everyone. In 2023, Nexans generated 6.5 billion euros in sales.

The Group is a leader in the design and manufacturing of cable systems and services across four main business areas: Power Generation & Transmission, Distribution, Usage, and Industry & Solutions. Nexans was the first company in its industry to create a foundation supporting sustainable initiatives that provide access to energy for disadvantaged communities worldwide.

The Group is recognized on the CDP Climate Change A List as a global leader in climate action and has committed to achieving Net-Zero emissions by 2050, in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Nexans has been present in Colombia since 2008 and, in April 2022, completed the acquisition of the premium Colombian cable manufacturer, CENTELSA, with the firm purpose of continuing to electrify the future of Colombia and Latin America. The Group expects to continue consolidating its value proposition along the electrification chain, reaffirming its role as a strategic partner in the region's energy transition.

Press Contact:

Maria Isabel Taborda V Senior Account Executive - Burson 3176386838 Maria.taborda@bursonglobal.com