Counterfeit Respirators / Misrepresentation of NIOSH Approval
Notice on HHS Ownership of Respirator Certification Marks
NIOSH, on behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), registered several certification marks with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) that are specific to NIOSH Approved® respirators. These registered certification marks currently include the NIOSH stylized logos with and without full text, NIOSH Approved®, and certification marks, such as N95® and P100®, that correspond to the approved respiratory protection levels for powered and non-powered air-purifying respirators (APRs). The registered certification marks can be found on the NIOSH Post-market Evaluations Conducted by NIOSH webpage under the section Protecting End Users from Wearing Respirators Being Misrepresented as NIOSH Approved® Respirators. Only manufacturers who are NIOSH approval holders may use these registered certification marks. Any misuse of the aforementioned marks is a direct violation of applicable trademark law and may be subject to enforcement action. For more information, view the NIOSH Conformity Assessment Letter to Manufacturers, NIOSH CA 2023-1056.
Misrepresented respirators include all respirators that are falsely marketed and sold as NIOSH Approved respirators when they are not. Counterfeit respirators specifically refer to products trying to copy an actual NIOSH Approved model. Both counterfeit and misrepresented respirators may not be capable of providing the appropriate or necessary respiratory protection to workers and users. NIOSH posts information about misrepresented and counterfeit respirators here to alert users, purchasers, and manufacturers.
Learn more about how to identify NIOSH Approved respirators and counterfeits. View examples of counterfeit or misrepresented respirators below.
How to identify a NIOSH Approved respirator:
All NIOSH Approved respirators have a testing and certification (TC) approval number (e.g., TC 84A-XXXX). The NIOSH approval label, which you can find on or within the respirator packaging, includes the TC approval number. Additionally, an abbreviated approval label is on the filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) itself or straps. NIOSH Approved FFRs will always have one of the following designations:
- N95
- N99
- N100
- R95
- R99
- R100
- P95
- P99
- P100
You can verify a TC approval number is valid by checking the NIOSH Certified Equipment List. More information is available on the Respiratory Protection Information Trusted Source.
To learn more about how to identify a NIOSH Approved FFR, check out the fact sheet and graphic below.
Example of correct exterior markings on a NIOSH Approved filtering facepiece respirator. View larger version.
Signs that a respirator may be counterfeit:
- No markings at all on the filtering facepiece respirator
- No approval (TC) number on filtering facepiece respirator or headband
- No NIOSH markings
- NIOSH spelled incorrectly
- Presence of decorative fabric or other decorative add-ons (e.g., sequins)
- Claims approval for children (NIOSH does not approve any type of respiratory protective device for children at this time)
- Filtering facepiece respirator has ear loops instead of headbands. At this time, NIOSH has not approved respirators that use ear loops without the use of an approved fastener. The fastener connects the loops behind the head.
Check out more tips to spot counterfeit respirators.
Breath Buddy is NOT a NIOSH approval holder. They are falsely indicating product can be used with half and full facepieces made by other NIOSH approval manufacturers. The Breath Buddy Particulate Filter is NOT a component associated with a NIOSH approval. Users cannot use this filter in place of the filter component associated with the NIOSH Approved respiratory protective device. If so, it will void the NIOSH approval. (1/26/2022)
Chengde Technology Co., Ltd. is misusing NIOSH test information regarding Gosbuy KN95 face masks. The company references NPPTL testing claims , using an image of the test setup from the assessment. The NIOSH website states manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and importers cannot use these results to make claims about their products. They cannot use the results to influence purchasers or make claims that the product meets NIOSH approval requirements. Chengde Technology Co., Ltd. is not a NIOSH approval holder or a private label assignee. (1/18/2022)
Good Mask Co. is misusing NIOSH test information regarding the “Good Folding KN95” mask; marketing as “CDC-approved, NIOSH-certified.” This statement is misleading because CDC, through NIOSH, does not approve KN95 masks. Nor does NIOSH approve any other respiratory protective device solely certified to international standards. Additionally, Good Mask Co. is misusing NIOSH test information. The product package indicates it meets Chinese standard GB 2626-2006 and submitted to NIOSH under an International Respirator Assessment request. Good Mask Co. markets the mask using results from the assessment. The NIOSH website states manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and importers cannot use to make claims about their products. They cannot use the results to influence purchasers or make claims that the product meets NIOSH approval requirements. Huizhou Green Communication Equipment Manufacturing Co., Ltd. is not a NIOSH approval holder or a private label assignee. (1/13/2022)
Health Protective is marketing a KN95 mask as “Certified KN95 respirator mask, adopted by the CDC.” This statement is misleading because CDC, through NIOSH, does not approve KN95 masks. Nor does NIOSH approve any other respiratory protective device solely certified to international standards. Additionally, Health Protective is misusing NIOSH test information. The product package indicates it meets Chinese standard GB 2626-2006 and submitted to NIOSH under an International Respirator Assessment request. Health Protective advertises the KN95 mask using results from the assessment. The NIOSH website states manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and importers cannot use these results to make claims about their products. hey cannot use the results to influence purchasers or make claims that the product meets NIOSH approval requirements. Changshu City Hengyun Nonwoven Products Co., Ltd. is not a NIOSH approval holder or a private label assignee. (1/11/2022)
View Additional Counterfeit or Misrepresented Respirators Listed from Previous Years
Guangzhou Zhen Tao Culture Media Co., Ltd. is marketing Benehal Model 8865 as a NIOSH Approved respirator for kids. NIOSH does not approve filtering facepiece respirators for children. Suzhou Sanical Protective Product Manufacturing Co. Ltd. manufactures Benehal Model 8865, under NIOSH approval number TC-84A-7449. However, this unit is not NIOSH approved as a filtering facepiece respirator for children. (12/17/2021)
This is an example of a misrepresentation of NIOSH approval. SafeShield’s marketing of model FS-N95 is misleading and may cause users to believe it is NIOSH approved. SafeShield references certification to NIOSH CFR 42.84 180-181 and TEB-APR-STP-0059. This information is inaccurate. SafeShield is not a NIOSH approval holder or private label assignee, and model FS-N95 is NOT NIOSH approved. (12/1/2021)
This is an example of a misrepresentation of a NIOSH approval. Megha International is marketing the Feel Safe Mask N95 in a package marked NIOSH Certification. Megha International is not a NIOSH approval holder or private label assignee. Feel Safe Mask N95 is NOT NIOSH approved. N95 is a registered certification mark owned by HHS. Megha International does not have permission not use this certification mark because this is not a NIOSH Approved respirator. (11/5/2021)
Dongguan AOXING is misusing NIOSH test information for its KN95 Protective Mask model AX-KF95. NIOSH received this product through an International Respirator Assessment request. Dongguan AOXING is marketing product using results from the assessment. The NIOSH website states manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and importers cannot use these results to make claims about their products. They cannot use the results to influence purchasers or make claims that the product meets NIOSH approval requirements. Dongguan AOXING is not a NIOSH approval holder or a private label assignee. (11/5/2021)
This is an example of a misrepresentation of a NIOSH approval. Sobmex is marketing numerous filtering facepiece respirators with NIOSH listed on the technical specifications sheet. Sobmex is not a NIOSH approval holder or private label assignee. Sobmex respirators are NOT NIOSH approved. The NIOSH stylized logo is a registered certification mark owned by HHS. Sobmex does not have permission to use this certification mark because this is not a NIOSH Approved respirator. (9/9/2021)
Moaron is NOT a NIOSH approval holder, and they are misrepresenting product as meeting NIOSH approval. The product listing claims the filter “meets NIOSH P100-series.” NIOSH only approves whole respirator configurations, not individual components. The Moaron 2091 P100 filter is NOT a component associated with a NIOSH approval. Moaron is not a NIOSH approval holder; P100 is a registered certification mark owned by HHS. Therefore, Moaron does not have permission to use this certification mark. Additionally, Moaron incorrectly advertises that it is compatible with other NIOSH approved products. Users cannot use this filter in place of the filter component associated with the NIOSH Approved respiratory protective device. If so, it will void the NIOSH approval. (9/9/2021)
This is an example of a misrepresentation of a NIOSH approval. Pure&Safe is not a NIOSH approval holder or a private label assignee. The Pure&Safe 5 Layered Reusable Anti-Pollution N95 Face Mask with Activated Carbon Filter is not NIOSH approved. The NIOSH stylized logo is a registered certification mark owned by HHS. Pure&Safe does not have permission to use this certification mark because this is not a NIOSH Approved respirator. (5/26/2021)
This is an example of a misrepresentation of a NIOSH approval. U-SAFE is not a NIOSH approval holder or a private label assignee. U-SAFE models B120 and B130 N95 particulate respirator are not NIOSH approved. The NIOSH stylized logo is a registered certification mark owned by HHS. U-SAFE does not have permission to use this certification mark because this is not a NIOSH Approved respirator. (4/30/2021)
This is an example of a misrepresentation of a NIOSH approval. Osprey is not a NIOSH approval holder or a private label assignee. The Osprey N95 particulate respirator is not NIOSH approved. (4/21/2021)
EPC Product, LLC is misrepresenting product manufactured by their company as a NIOSH Approved respirator. Models sold by EPC, including but not limited to, PT-N95F-01, PT-N95C-02, and PT-N95CS-02 are NOT NIOSH approved. EPC Product, LLC is not a NIOSH approval holder or a private label holder. (3/26/2021)
SS Paper Convertors is misrepresenting protective masks as NIOSH approved. SS Paper Convertors is not a NIOSH approval holder or private label holder. La’ Forte brand masks are not NIOSH approved. (2/26/2021)
Zhengzhou Ruipu Medical Technology Co., Ltd. is misusing NIOSH test information regarding RUIPU RIPE DOCTORS KN95. The product package indicates it meets Chinese standard GB 2626-2006 and submitted to NIOSH under an International Respirator Assessment request. Zhengzhou Ruipu Medical Technology Co., Ltd. advertises the product using results from the assessment. The NIOSH website states manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and importers cannot use these results to make claims about their products. They cannot use the results to influence purchasers or make claims that the product meets NIOSH approval requirements. Zhengzhou Ruipu Medical Technology Co., Ltd. is not a NIOSH approval holder or a private label holder. (2/18/2021)
Chengde Technology Co., Ltd. is misusing NIOSH test information regarding WWDOLL model CD9501B KN95 Foldable Protective Masks. The product package indicates it meets Chinese standard GB 2626-2019 and submitted to NIOSH under an International Respirator Assessment request. Chengde Technology Co., Ltd. markets the product using results from the assessment. The NIOSH website states manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and importers cannot use these results to make claims about their products. They cannot use the results to influence purchasers or make claims that the product meets NIOSH approval requirements. Chengde Technology Co., Ltd. is not a NIOSH approval holder or a private label holder. (2/18/2021)
Raxwell Industrial Technology Co., Ltd. is misusing NIOSH test information regarding Raxwell model RX9501 KN95 Face Masks. The product package indicates it meets Chinese standard GB 2626-2006 and submitted to NIOSH under an International Respirator Assessment request. Raxwell Industrial Technology Co., Ltd. markets the product using results from the assessment. The NIOSH website states manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and importers cannot use these results to make claims about their products. They cannot use the results to influence purchasers or make claims that the product meets NIOSH approval requirements. Additionally, Raxwell Industrial Technology Co., Ltd. is misrepresenting Raxwell model RX9501P N95 as a NIOSH Approved respirator. Raxwell Industrial Technology Co., Ltd. is not a NIOSH approval holder or a private label holder. (2/18/2021)
This is an example of a misrepresentation of a NIOSH Approved product. Products labeled TENAMYD FM and sold by Clean Life 360 are NOT NIOSH approved. The NIOSH stylized logo is a registered certification mark owned by HHS. These companies cannot use this certification mark because this is not a NIOSH Approved respirator. (2/4/2021)
This is an example of a misrepresentation of a NIOSH approved product. Zelbuck is not a NIOSH approval holder or a private label holder. Respirators and replacement cartridges and filters marked as Zelbuck are NOT NIOSH approved. The NIOSH stylized logo is a registered certification mark owned by HHS. Zelbuck does not have permission to use the certification mark because this is not a NIOSH Approved respirator. (12/21/2020)
This is an example of a misrepresentation of a NIOSH approval. Yamada Safety First is not a NIOSH approval holder or a private label holder. Yamada brand masks, including models 5241 and 8242, are not NIOSH approved. (12/3/2020)
This is an example of a misrepresentation of a NIOSH approval. Neither Pangolin nor Pangocare is a NIOSH approval holder or a private label holder. Pangocare models MSKP4001 and MSKP4002 are not NIOSH approved. N95® is a registered certification mark owned by HHS. Pangolin and Pangocare do not have permission to use this mark because this is not a NIOSH Approved respirator. (12/3/2020)
This is an example of a misrepresentation of a NIOSH approval. Model TY 0424 is not NIOSH approved. Xiantao Fushi Protective Products Co., Ltd. is not a NIOSH approval holder or a private label holder. N95 is a registered certification mark owned by HHS. Xiantao Fushi Protective Products Co., Ltd. do not have permission to use this mark because this is not a NIOSH Approved respirator. (11/5/2020)
This is an example of a misrepresentation of a NIOSH approval. DUKAL is not a NIOSH approval holder or a private label holder. (10/22/2020)
*UPDATE — Shanghai Dasheng Health Products Manufacture Co., Ltd issued a user notice for select lots of the DUKALTM N95 respirator. (12/18/2020)
This is an example of a misrepresentation of a NIOSH approved product. Products labeled as ECO Solutions NIOSH N95 are NOT NIOSH approved. (9/29/2020)
NIOSH received notice of a misrepresentation of NIOSH approval for Valmy model VRN95. This model has not been NIOSH approved since 2017. This product is no longer compliant to the NIOSH approval. (8/25/2020)
This is an example of a misrepresentation of a NIOSH approval. INSAFE is not a NIOSH approval holder or a private label holder. (8/25/20)
This is an example of a misrepresentation of a NIOSH Approved product. Products labeled as DermaCare or Espomega, with model numbers HY8710, HY8812, and HY8816, are NOT NIOSH approved. (8/7/2020)
This is an example of a misrepresentation of a NIOSH approval. Intech Safety Pvt. Ltd. is not a NIOSH approval holder or a private label holder. (8/7/2020)
NIOSH received notice of websites selling and misrepresenting Safe Life model B130 and model B150 as NIOSH approved. These models have not been NIOSH approved since 2015. This product is no longer compliant to the NIOSH approval and sold without Safe Life Corporation’s permission. (7/24/2020)
NIOSH received notice of websites selling and misrepresenting SAS model 8617A as NIOSH approved under TC-84A-4276. This is no longer a valid NIOSH approval number. SAS allowed private labeling for this model until SAS voluntarily rescinded the NIOSH approval in 2014. Additionally, SAS did not give permission for the manufacturing or selling of this product. (7/16/2020)
This is an example of counterfeit respirators. This counterfeit respirator uses NIOSH approval holder Shining Star Electronic Technology’s NIOSH approval number (TC-84A-8125, model SS6001-N95) without their permission. The counterfeit box is glossy and primarily green, and the package contains 2 stacks of 10 units. TC-84A-8125 is a valid NIOSH approval number. However, please take extra precautions when purchasing to ensure you receive the authentic product and not the counterfeit version. (7/10/2020)
NIOSH has not issued any letters to Foshan Flying Medical Products Co., Ltd. Alterations to this letter made it appear that Foshan Flying Medical Products was the recipient. Any N95 filtering facepiece respirators for sale accompanied by this letter are NOT NIOSH approved. (6/3/2020)
Translation of letter: “Makrite Hubei Industrial Co., Ltd has not signed any purchase contracts or agreement with any company or issued any distribution authorization. Anyone claiming that they have authorization or a purchase contract with Makrite Hubei Industrial Co., Ltd is forgery and infringement. In case of any business or individual claiming to have the authorization letter or certification from Makrite Hubei Industrial Co., Ltd, please report to the police immediately.”
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Makrite Hubei Industrial Co., Ltd is a subsidiary of NIOSH approval holder Makrite Industries Inc. They issued a notice to alert customers of a product potentially manufactured without the permission of Makrite. This product may also appear as a misrepresentation of NIOSH approval. (5/15/2020)
This is an example of a misrepresentation of a NIOSH approved product. Products made by Jiangyin Chang-hung Industrial or labeled GRANDE are not NIOSH approved. The numbers listed on the packaging, TC-84A-4503, -84A-4639, -84A-4643, and -84A-4646, are not valid NIOSH approval numbers. (5/14/2020)
The website, www.covidness.net, misrepresents these two examples of respirators as NIOSH approved. The website lists the SEKURA-321 as NIOSH approved with approval number TC-84A-6660. This is a valid NIOSH approval number issued to Makrite. However, the website is selling a counterfeit respirator and using Makrite’s approval number without their permission. The second example is MIUTON. The website misrepresents it as NIOSH certified but is not NIOSH approved. (5/13/2020)
This is an example of a counterfeit respirator. The counterfeit respirator uses Shanghai Dasheng Health Products Manufacture Co. Ltd’s NIOSH approval number, TC 84A-4335, without their permission. SOUND is not a NIOSH approval holder or a private label holder. (4/28/2020)
NIOSH did not issue this letter and test report to Shenzhen Ende Medical Technology Co., Ltd. Although they appear to be from NIOSH, these documents include alterations and false information. Shenzhen Ende Medical Technology Co., Ltd. is not a NIOSH approval holder. Any N95 filtering facepiece respirators from Shenzhen Ende claiming NIOSH approval or accompanied by these documents are not NIOSH approved.(4/27/2020)
These are examples of counterfeit respirators. The counterfeit respirators use Shanghai Dasheng Health Products Manufacture Co. Ltd’s NIOSH approval numbers without their permission. These models include, but are not limited to, models:
- DTC3X (marked as TC-84A-4329)
- DTC3W (marked as TC-84A-4335)
- DTC3B (marked as TC-84A-4336)
- DTC3Z (marked as TC-84A-8150)
- Raxwell RX9501P.
Note that any SDH respirators with ear loops are not NIOSH approved. (4/17/2020)
This is an example of a misrepresentation of a NIOSH approval. G & F Products is not a NIOSH approval holder or a private label holder. (4/9/2020)
Any respirators sold as Maskin are no longer NIOSH approved. They are counterfeit, or they are no longer compliant to the NIOSH approval. (4/9/2020)
This is an example of a counterfeit respirator. Medicos is selling an N95 respirator using the Moldex approval number and label without Moldex’s permission. Medicos is not a NIOSH approval holder or private label holder. (3/12/2020)
This is an example of a misrepresentation of the NIOSH approval. Yark is not a NIOSH approval holder or a private label holder. Additionally, respirators from the box include the CE (European) approval mark and NIOSH N95. This is not an acceptable format for a NIOSH approved respirator. (3/5/2020)
The Guangzhou Weini Technology & Development Co., Ltd. (GWT) respirator with model number K320 is not NIOSH approved. NIOSH rescinded GWT respirator approvals in 2009. Please refer to our user notice for more information. GWT respirators bearing any NIOSH approval number listed on the user notice is not NIOSH approved. (2/10/2020)
There are no markings on the face of the respirator. (11/6/2019)
NIOSH does not approve any type of respiratory protection for kids. (11/6/2019)
There are no markings on the face of the respirator. (11/6/2019)
This product is not NIOSH approved. Look at the markings on the front. The logo is wrong, there is no approval number (TC-84A-xxxx). (11/6/2019)
This product is not NIOSH approved. No NIOSH logo or approval number on the face of the product. (11/6/2019)
This product is not NIOSH approved. No NIOSH logo or approval number on the face of the product. (11/6/2019)
Images here are examples of counterfeit respirators and sold as if they are NIOSH approved. However, the manufacturer, Anhui Tongcheng YaGe Health Materials, Co., Ltd, is not a NIOSH approval holder. Nor are they a private label holder. (10/23/2019)
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| These are examples of misrepresentation of the NIOSH approval. PitBull Safety Products is not a NIOSH approval holder nor are they a NIOSH private label holder. (10/07/2019) | |
This is an example of misrepresentation of the NIOSH-approval. Vogmask® is not a NIOSH approval holder. The wording on their website is misleading and not accurate. (10/07/19)
This is an example of two counterfeit respirators. Valpro Safety uses 3M’s approval number (TC-84A-0007) to sell the Ranger 821 and Ranger 821V respirators. 3M did not give Valpro Safety permission to use their approval number or label. (6/19/19)
This is an example of a counterfeit respirator. Pacifico Salud SAC is selling units using Suzhou Sanical Protection (SSP) approval number (TC-84A-6766) and label without SSP’s permission. Additionally, there are two errors on the respirator package. The first error is that they claim the N95 respirator is 96% efficient. The bottom right corner of the package includes the second error. It states the respirator is manufactured by Benehal China, who is not a NIOSH approval holder. (1/4/2019)
This counterfeit respirator, NT-V2 Nano Bi-Directional respirator, is advertised as a NIOSH approved, using a NIOSH approval number. The counterfeit respirator uses a 3M TC number (TC 84A-0427) without 3M’s permission. Additionally, the TC number belongs to a 3M full facepiece respirator with cartridges. Pasture Pharma did not manufacture this counterfeit respirator.
This respirator is not a NIOSH Approved respirator. FitSeal, is not a NIOSH approval holder or a private label holder. (2/19/2019)
This is an example of misrepresentation of the NIOSH approval. NIOSH rescinded all approvals for Wein Products (WPI) in 2011. However, the manufacturer’s website continues to state the ViraMask N99ESC is NIOSH certified. View the user notice announcing the rescission.
NIOSH received notice of a counterfeit N95 Respirator. The TC number and private label holder are valid. However, note the misspelling of NIOSH on the front of the respirator.
These are examples of counterfeit respirators and sold as if they are NIOSH approved. However, the manufacturer, Zubi-Ola, is not a NIOSH approval holder or a private label holder.
If you suspect you have a counterfeit or misrepresented respirator, contact NIOSH at ppeconcerns@cdc.gov.
Please provide the following details with your email:
- Any manufacturer names present on the respirator
- Respirator model or part number
- Photos of the respirator and packaging
- NIOSH approval number (e.g., TC 84A-XXXX), if present
- Web url where respirator was purchased or found
The NIOSH stylized logos (shown below), N99, N100, R95, P95, P100, PAPR100-N, PAPR100-P, and HE are certification marks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) registered in the United States.
N95 and NIOSH Approved are certification marks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) registered in the United States and several international jurisdictions.