Spotting Counterfeit PPE
Fake and non-compliant PPE is sold online and sometimes slips into supply chains. It looks right, but a fake N95 may filter far less, a fake harness may fail in a fall, and fake safety glasses may shatter. Knowing the markings helps you catch it.
- All workers
- Employers
- Purchasing
Photo: close-up of the NIOSH approval marking and TC number printed on an N95 respirator
Markings to check
| Gear | Real ones are marked with |
|---|---|
| N95 and other respirators | “NIOSH” spelled correctly, the maker’s name, a TC approval number (TC-84A-xxxx), the filter class (like N95) and a model number |
| Hard hats | Maker, ANSI/ISEA Z89.1, Type (I or II), Class (G, E or C), size range and date of manufacture, inside the shell |
| Safety glasses and goggles | Maker’s mark and Z87 (Z87+ for high impact) on the frame and on the lens |
| Harnesses, lanyards, SRLs | Permanent labels with maker, model, serial or lot number, date, capacity and standard (like ANSI Z359) |
| Hi-vis | A label with ANSI/ISEA 107, the Type and Class |
| FR and arc-rated clothing | A label with the standard (like NFPA 2112 or ASTM F1506) and an arc rating in cal/cm² for arc-rated gear |
| Cut-resistant gloves | ANSI/ISEA 105 cut level (A1 to A9) |
Red flags for respirators
- No approval number, or “NIOSH” misspelled (like “NIOHS”)
- Ear loops on an “N95”: most NIOSH-approved N95s use head straps
- Claims like “approved for children” (NIOSH doesn’t approve respirators for children)
- Decorative fabric or sequins added
- A TC number that doesn’t match the maker or model on NIOSH’s Certified Equipment List
- “KN95” or other foreign standards sold as if they were NIOSH-approved
Red flags when buying
- Prices far below everyone else
- Unknown sellers on online marketplaces, or listings with poor spelling and stock photos
- “Meets” or “equivalent to” a standard, instead of being certified or marked to it
- Missing instructions, labels or packaging
- Fall protection gear without permanent labels, or with labels that look printed on later
Buy smart
- Buy from the manufacturer or its authorized distributors
- Look up respirator approvals on NIOSH’s Certified Equipment List
- Check markings on the product itself, not just the box
- Keep the instructions and any certificates with your records
- When in doubt, contact the manufacturer with the serial or lot number
If you find fake PPE
- Stop using it, and tag it so no one else does.
- Tell your supervisor and the person who bought it.
- Report counterfeit respirators to NIOSH (ppeconcerns@cdc.gov), and fake products to the manufacturer.
- Replace it with verified gear. Your employer must provide working PPE when PPE is required.
Buying your own? If you buy PPE yourself, the same markings apply. Gear without the right markings may not be accepted on the job, and it may not protect you.
Standards & references
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