WD-40 is one of the best-known technical brands in the world, so it gets counterfeited. In Ukraine a fake called VVD-40 was found: on the shelf the can looks almost identical, but the contents are completely different. WD-40 Company sent a sample to the independent SGS laboratory. Here is what the test showed and how to spot the original.
7 signs of a fake can
1
Name and logo
Check the name: a fake may say VVD-40 or a similar spelling instead of WD-40. The size and colour of the yellow logo shield and the shade of the can also differ.
2
Cap
The colour and inner structure of the cap on the fake differ from the original.
3
Actuator and blue dot
The original valve has a blue dot and the actuator has a blue insert. The fake uses a different valve and actuator without the insert.
4
Production date and batch code
The bottom of a genuine can always carries a production date and batch code. The fake has neither.
5
Straw
The straw supplied with the fake differs in colour and length.
6
False labelling
The fake claims it can be used in meat and poultry plants. Genuine WD-40 is not intended for food production. The label also uses outdated markings that do not meet current rules.
7
The CO₂ that is not there
The fake claims a CO₂ propellant but actually contains highly flammable liquefied gas. A 200 ml can holds only about 110 ml of liquid.
What the SGS lab test showed
The lab compared the original and the fake by physical properties and composition. The difference is fundamental: the fake uses a different oil base and tens to hundreds of times more hazardous solvents.
| Property | Original WD-40 | Fake VVD-40 |
|---|
| Liquid appearance | Slightly hazy | Clear |
| Colour | Light amber | Yellow |
| Smell | Characteristic, to standard | Sharp, like fish glue |
| Propellant | Carbon dioxide (CO₂) | Flammable LPG |
| Blue dot on the valve | Yes | No |
| Density at 15 °C | 0.813 | 0.956 |
| Toluene, ppm | 23.4 | 1226.8 |
| Xylene, ppm | below 5 | 1098.4 |
| Benzene, ppm | below 5 | 217 |
| Ethylbenzene, ppm | 0.0066 | 1162.6 |
Why it is dangerous. Toluene, xylene, benzene and ethylbenzene are highly flammable, harmful if inhaled, irritate skin and eyes and damage internal organs with prolonged exposure. Benzene and ethylbenzene may cause genetic defects and cancer. WD-40 Company does not make products containing more than 10 ppm of benzene or any carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic substance.
How to be sure you buy the original
- Buy from the official dealer: wd-40.com.ua sells officially imported products made in the United Kingdom.
- Ask for documents: invoice, delivery note and VAT invoice. The official dealer ships from a Ukrainian LLC with VAT.
- Check the date and batch code on the bottom of the can and the blue dot on the valve.
- Be careful if the price is well below the recommended retail price: fakes are sold cheaper.
Official WD-40 by the case for business: wholesale prices. By the unit: WD-40 200 ml, WD-40 400 ml, WD-40 Smart Straw 420 ml.