June 2025

Suspicious? Three tips for checking and reporting potentially counterfeit imaging supplies

Customers can check suspicious printing supplies for signs of counterfeiting and report to ICCE and its members, thus taking action against counterfeit imaging supplies (illustrative picture).

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 and its members will follow up on reports, to help protect customers in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa from counterfeit imaging supplies.

Counterfeit imaging supplies can pose a variety of risks to consumers and commercial end users alike. These can include poor print quality, leaking toner or ink, and damaged printers. 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.

Counterfeit imaging supplies can cause many risks for users, including poor print outs and printer damage (illustrative picture).

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.

Click on one of the logos to contact the respective brand:

Some member brands also offer an inspection service, designed for large orders from commercial customers. This service can be an effective way to avoid counterfeit imaging supplies. Learn more:

When reporting, please provide us with 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).

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.

About ICCE

The Imaging Consumables Coalition of Europe, Middle East, and Africa (ICCE) was formed in 1997 as a direct response to the increase in counterfeit imaging consumables across the regions of Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Imaging consumables include such products as toners, ink cartridges and ribbons. Initially created as an industry association with a focus on education, lobbying, information exchange, and awareness, it has since developed to include coordinating the role of receiving and processing intelligence information on counterfeiters, initiating joint industry raids and enforcement activities, and helping its members to target counterfeiters through the criminal and civil courts. Members of the organisation include some of the world’s leading imaging and printing companies: Brother, Canon, Epson, HP Inc, Kyocera, Lexmark, Ricoh, and Xerox.