Anti-Counterfeit
Scan the code. Protect your printers. Learn how to spot fakes and what to do in case of a suspicion
Why should you care?
Counterfeit cartridges may seem like a true alternative. However, they entail serious risks and threats.
Fakes threaten your printer
Counterfeit cartridges may cause damage to your HP LaserJet printer hardware1 – which can lead to downtimes of the whole company’s printing infrastructure and disruption of entire workflows.
Fakes threaten your reputation
Manufacturing and distributing counterfeit items is illegal. So, buying fakes may bring you and your organisation into contact with shady business which may be operated by large-scale criminal syndicates.
Fakes threaten your workspace
Counterfeit toner cartridges may alter the printing behavior of your HP printer2. When using Original HP toner cartridges, only then can HP printing systems3 perform within Blue Angel guidelines limits.4
Fakes threaten our environment
Due to their often poor print quality and necessary re-prints, counterfeits are likely to waste valuable resources such as paper or energy.5,6 Also at the end of life, counterfeits likely don’t get recycled.5<
Device provisioning,6 world-class care, and AI-driven analytics2 optimises the device lifecycle.
With a predictable payment,3 you can prioritise budget based on your business needs.
Match users with a device and configuration best suited for their computing needs.
Built-in security on HP devices7 and security insights8 help address issues before they affect users.
How to identify genuine HP print cartridges
There are several things to look for when differentiating between genuine HP print cartridges and counterfeits. Visible security labels, standard pricing, proper packaging, and reliable performance are key attributes of Original HP print cartridges.
Step 1. Check the Security Label.
Perform the following steps to visually verify that the label is valid:
- Tilt box front to back to see “OK” and “√” move in opposite directions
- Tilt box right to left to see “OK” and “√” move in the same direction
Step 2. Scan the code.
Use the HP SureSupply app or a generic QR code reader to scan the QR code on the cartridge's security label.1 If you cannot capture QR codes with a smartphone, go to www.hp.com/go/ok to validate online.
Step 3. Report counterfeit.
Stop crime. Report counterfeit. Please keep the print cartridge, its packaging and any documents relating to the product, such as invoices, offer letters, etc.
1 2018 EMEA Market Strategies International Technician study, commissioned by HP. www.marketstrategies.com/hp/EMEA-Technician2018.pdf.
2 2017 UL Blue Angel Indoor Air Quality compliance study, commissioned by HP. The study tested three remanufactured toner cartridge brands sold as substitutes for HP LaserJet Enterprise 500 Color M551 with cartridges: CE400A, CE401A, C402A, CE403A. The tests were carried out in compliance with the methods described in Appendix S-M of the RAL-UZ 171 Blue Angel award criteria. For details, https://industries.ul.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/08/2017.08.Printers_Toner_Cartridges_IAQ_Alternate.pdf
3 A printing system consists of HP printer, paper, and toner cartridge.
4 Dec 2017 WKI Blue Angel Indoor Air Quality compliance study, commissioned by HP. The study tested 4 New Build Compatible toner cartridge brands sold as substitutes for HP LaserJet Pro MFP M425dn with cartridge 280A, in compliance with Blue Angel RAL-UZ-205. For details, http://www8.hp.com/h20195/v2/GetDocument.aspx?docname=4AA7-1981ENW
5 InfoTrends, 2018 Western Europe Supplies Recycling study, commissioned by HP. Findings are based on average resultsof interviews with 7 remanufacturers, 6 brokers. For details, see www.hp.com/go/EMEA-2018InfoTrends
62018 Four Elements Consulting LCA study, commissioned by HP, compared Original HP 80A and 83A monochrome toner cartridges with a sample of NBC alternatives across eight environmental impact categories. For more, visit http://www.hp.com/go/EMEA-LJLCA-NBC-2018. The LCA leverages a SpencerLab 2016 study, commissioned by HP, comparing Original HP LaserJet toner cartridges with three brands of NBC toner cartridges sold in EMEA. For details, see http://www.spencerlab.com/reports/HPReliability-EE-NBC2016.pdf
7 Ink based on Buyers Laboratory Inc. July 2017 study commissioned by HP compared Original HP ink cartridges (121XL, 122XL, 178XL, 300, 300XL, 301XL, 364, 364XL, 650, 950XL, 970XL, 971XL) with 21 brands of non-HP refilled and remanufactured ink cartridges sold in EMEA markets. Details: http://keypointintelligence.com/media/1609/hp-emea-refill-study_rep.pdf. 2019 SpencerLab Colour Reliability study, commissioned by HP, compared Original HP color LaserJet cartridges with six brands of non-HP cartridges sold in Europe, Middle East, and Africa for the HP LaserJet Pro 400 Color Printer M451; CE410A/X, CE411A/12A/13A cartridges. For details, see www.spencerlab.com/reports/HP-CLR-Reliability-EMEA-2019.pdf. The 2019 SpencerLab Monochrome study commissioned by HP compared Original HP cartridges with 12 brands of non-HP cartridges for the HP Pro M402 and Pro 521 printers; HP 26A and 55A cartridges. For details, see www.spencerlab.com/reports/HPReliability-EMEA-2019.pdf
8 HP Planet Partners Program availability varies. For details, see www.hp.com/recycle. On recycled materials in cartridges, see www.hp.com/go/recycledcontent.