New Zealand Customs Service is warning people to watch out for counterfeit merchandise for next year's rugby World Cup after seizing a large quantity of fake t-shirts.
Customs detained more than 1000 trademark-infringing t-shirts in December.
Exploitation by counterfeiters threatened the future global development of rugby, Rugby World Cup general manager Ross Young said.
"The sport relies on the revenue stream generated by the sale of official merchandise and the greed of these counterfeiters significantly undermines this."
The clothing was being sold through discount shops, markets and the internet, Customs group manager (investigations and response) Bill Perry said.
"[Consumers] are purchasing what they believe is the real thing when in fact they are buying an inferior product."
Genuine items would be sold by Canterbury or Sportfolio, Mr Perry said.
Tips for spotting fake Rugby World Cup 2011 merchandise:
* Genuine t-shirts retail for about $40 and will have Canterbury or Sportfolio labelling.
* Examine the quality, such as whether seams are sewn straight.
* Check labels and packaging for mis-spellings, or mis-printings.
* It is unlikely genuine merchandise will be sold at street markets, car boot sales, or discount type shops.
* Be wary of buying merchandise from the internet - ask for proof that the items are genuine.
