Tips to Avoid
Counterfeits
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidance, Counterfeit Respirators /
Misrepresentation of NIOSH-Approval, to help healthcare professionals avoid buying counterfeit masks*.
This page includes information on how to identify a NIOSH-approved respirator, and also a link to NIOSH
Certified Equipment List and a NIOSH Trusted Source page.
See the ADA's mask comparison chart and interim guidance on PPE.

Tips for spotting
suspicious websites
and/or marketplaces
before you buy

Website tip-offs:

Signs that an
N95 mask** may
be counterfeit

•

Lack of, or misspelling of NIOSH in
the marking

Presence of typos, bad grammar and
other errors

•

Claiming approval for use by children

•

Presence of decorative add-ons

•

Contains broken links

•

•

Site is unfinished and temporary “dummy”
text is still present

Lack of NIOSH approval (TC) number on
the N95 or headband

•

Lack of any type of marking on the N95

•

N95 has ear loops instead of headband

•

Primary email contact uses a free email service

•

Third-party marketplace red flags:
•

Use of terms like “legitimate” and “genuine”

•

Customer feedback that seems suspicious

•

Inconsistency in the type of products sold

•

Prices that are too good to be true

•

During times of shortage, claiming
“unlimited stock”

*The CDC uses the term "respirators" in relation to N95, KN95, etc., whereas the ADA uses the term "masks."
**Does not apply to KN95 masks.
Disclaimer. These materials are intended to provide helpful information to dentists and dental team members. They are in no way a substitute for actual
professional advice based upon your unique facts and circumstances. This content is not intended or offered, nor should it be taken, as legal or other
professional advice. You should always consult with your own professional advisors (e.g. attorney, accountant, insurance carrier). To the extent ADA has
included links to any third party website(s), ADA intends no endorsement of their content and implies no affiliation with the organizations that provide their
content. Further, ADA makes no representations or warranties about the information provided on those sites.

Last Updated: 6/22//2020

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