Ensure your toner is Original HP.
What is a counterfeit print cartridge?
Counterfeits look like HP. Counterfeits feel like HP. Counterfeits are illegally sold to unsuspecting customers as HP. However, the sad truth is even the best counterfeit print cartridge is still worthless to you and your HP printer. That’s because the quality and performance of a genuine HP print cartridge can’t be reproduced.
Protect yourself against counterfeit print cartridges.
In order to protect yourself from counterfeit printing supplies you should always follow each of these simple steps before you buy:
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Step 1: Check the security label
All original HP toner cartridge boxes have an HP security label, which is positioned over the tear strip of the box.
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In Europe, the Middle East and Africa, some but not all original HP inkjet print cartridge boxes feature an HP security label, too.
If present, the HP security label can either be found in the upper right corner of the hangtab at the top of the box or on the left or right panel of the box.
The new HP Mobile Authentication label features holographic image-shifting properties in addition to the QR code. 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 same directions.
In addition, the latest labels provide a unique code which you can validate using a smartphone ‘app’. For this, simply capture the Quick Response (QR) code printed on the label with a smartphone in order to access HP Mobile Authentication.
The QR code may be read with many free QR code readers such as i-nigma or with the reader included with the HP eSupplies app (where available). If you cannot capture QR codes with a smartphone, go to the HP Mobile Authentication website at the URL shown on new security labels (www.hp.com/go/ok) and enter the label’s serial number to validate the label.
- A valid response indicates that the cartridge is safe for purchase.
- An invalid response indicates that the cartridge may not be genuine.
You can validate the new security label online. Just go to the URL listed on the new security label and enter the label’s serial number.*
*The HP Mobile Authentication program is available only with security labels that feature the QR code.
How to inspect older security labels
Depending on the cartridge, region, and packaging date, Original HP print cartridge packaging may use security labels with the following holographic properties:
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Colour-switching label
- Turn the box from side to side to see the colour change
- When the background is dark, half of the lettering “ORIGINAL TONER” is light and vice versa.
Moving image label
- Tilt HP 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.
QR code
The Quick Response codes on the new HP security seals contain serial numbers to allow instant verification of product authenticity.
Downloading a QR code scanner to your smartphone is easy:
- Go to your App store.
- Select a QR code scanner app.
- Download the app to your smartphone.
You can validate HP security labels online:
- Go to HP.com/go/ok
- Follow the instructions to visually inspect the label.
- Enter the serial number from the label.
- HP will verify if the product is genuine HP.
Step 2: Look at the packaging
- Boxes and packaging materials used for original HP print cartridges are of consistent and premium quality (figure 5). HP does not knowingly authorise the sale of products in packaging which is damaged or of poor quality
- Non-standard packaging and packaging that appears to have been opened can be an indicator that the print cartridge is counterfeit
- HP does not sell cartridges without packaging
Step 3: Examine the print cartridge upon opening the packaging
Original HP print cartridges are always delivered unused (figure 6). There should be no damage, no ink leakage or toner dust on the body of the cartridge, no significant scratches or any signs of previous use on the print cartridge itself
All pull tabs should remain unbroken and should be consistent with those found on genuine HP products
Performance
HP prides itself in providing reliable cartridges that perform to the highest standards.
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Cartridges that provide low-quality performance or fail prematurely may indicate that the print cartridge isn't genuine. The performance of authentic HP cartridges is guaranteed to provide sharp, clear, consistent printing throughout the entire life of the cartridge. Ink streaks, leaks or toner dust are telltale signs that a cartridge may be a counterfeit product.
Step 4: Only purchase from reputable resellers and retailers
HP sells printing supplies through authorised sales channels. To avoid fakes, you should refrain from accepting any suspicious sales offers.
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If an offer sounds ‘too good to be true’, it probably is. To protect yourself from falling victim to dubious offers, you should only buy from HP’s authorised sales channels and reputable retailers.
Through the HP Smart Partner Locator, which is available on your local HP website, you can find a list of HP’s Supplies Partners for your country. Just go to www.hp.com -> click on ‘Find your HP Partner’ and search for your local suppliers.
Step 5: Use authentication software
HP’s free authentication software checks if print cartridges installed in your HP printing devices are genuine:
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The HP Inkjet Cartridge Authentication feature is part of the primary printer software suite that comes as standard on most inkjet printers.
The ‘HP Toner Cartridge Authentication’ software is compatible with many existing HP LaserJet printers and MFPs introduced since 2004, and is available as a free download from www.hp.com/go/TonerCheck.
Please note that a print cartridge will be checked only once by this software; any further removal and re-installation of the print cartridge will result in a notification that the print cartridge has been ‘used’.
For additional information on how to spot suspicious print cartridges, please refer to the links and downloads section.
Contact the HP Anti-counterfeiting Programme
Please contact the HP Anti-counterfeiting Programme if you have any concerns or queries regarding counterfeit printing supplies for HP printers or if you want to report your suspicions. HP will keep the information confidential to the extent permitted by law and will only share it on a need to know basis.
How to report a suspicion to HP
Please keep the print cartridge, its packaging and any documents relating to the product, such as invoices, offer letters, etc.
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When reporting, this is what we need to know:
- Please indicate why you think the product is suspicious and the name of the company that offered you the product.
- Your contact details (this is optional).
If possible, please include sharp digital photos (around 500 KB each, taken without flash light) of all six sides of the print cartridge box as well as a close-up of the security label (if present) and a picture of the print cartridge itself in your report to HP
Please report as follows:
- Post: To contact us via mail, please use the following address:
EMEA Anti-counterfeiting Programme
Hewlett-Packard International S.à.r.l.
150 Route du Nant d'Avril,
1217 Meyrin
Switzerland - Web: To report suspicious supplies via the web, click here: ACF online reporting form. This method allows you to report your suspicion anonymously.
- Telephone: To talk to someone about your suspicions, click on this link.
Why choose Original HP?
Other than the most obvious reason to buy Original HP print cartridges (because counterfeit cartridges are illegal), the list of benefits make loyalty seem obvious.
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Outstanding value
They deliver exceptional value and reliable performance with lower total cost of printing. Counterfeits drain productivity and increase printing costs with reprints and poor-quality results.
Exceptional quality
HP print cartridges enable fast, efficient printing and impressive results. HP printing is backed by 20 years of research and development. Counterfeit cartridges provide no assurances of quality.
Proven reliability
Original HP print cartridges deliver guaranteed performance — no toner/ink leakage and messy prints. HP provides a warranty that ensures trouble-free printing.
Award-winning HP support and warranty
All Original HP print cartridges are backed by our award-winning support, service and quality. Use only Original HP print cartridges to receive full HP printer warranty benefits.