Customers can check suspicious printing supplies for signs of counterfeiting and report to ICCE and its members, thus taking action against counterfeit imaging supplies.
Counterfeit imaging supplies can pose tangible risks to end users, including wasted money spent on malfunctioning ink or toner cartridges that can even damage a printer. ICCE advises consumers to check their ink or toner supplies for signs of counterfeiting – and to report possible counterfeits to the relevant brands and their experts.
ICCE said it and its members will follow up on reports, to help protect customers in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa from counterfeit imaging supplies.
The ICCE member brands combat counterfeiting through various initiatives, including special security features on original packaging. To help customers steer clear of risky counterfeits, the ICCE members also provide guidance on the tell‑tale signs of counterfeits, as well as points of contact for customers who are suspicious about imaging supplies they have purchased.
Here are three key tips to make it easy to spot and avoid potential counterfeit cartridges.
1) Be aware of counterfeits and shop safely
To buy genuine toner cartridges and ink cartridges from our member brands with confidence, we recommend you stay vigilant and avoid dubious offers. It is important to buy only from trusted sources, such as authorised resellers. Also, be suspicious of any imaging supplies offered at unusually low prices. If an offer seems too good to be true, it could be a sign of shady business practices.
In addition, genuine imaging products from the ICCE member brands always come in new, high‑quality packaging. ICCE recommends only accepting products in unopened and undamaged boxes.
2) Check your purchases and look out for red flags
To help end users protect themselves against counterfeiting, the imaging supplies brands that make up ICCE have incorporated security features into their packaging. Learn how to check products for red flags with our guide below, which brings together tips from all ICCE members.
See how to check your imaging consumables with the ICCE Authentication Brochure – Download Brochure
3) Report your suspicions – and get expert help
If you are suspicious about a purchase of imaging supplies, please report it to our anti-counterfeiting experts and ask for assistance. You can contact an ICCE member directly – or you can ask ICCE for assistance with products of any ICCE member brand.
When reporting, please provide the relevant information, including the reason for your suspicion. If possible, please also include details of the seller as well as photos of the product in question (showing all six sides and any security labels/holograms present).
The Imaging Consumables Coalition added: “ICCE is grateful for any information on possible cases of counterfeiting. Working together is key in the fight against counterfeit imaging supplies – and your reports may well help our members to take successful action against counterfeiting.”
