We are aware of a growing number of counterfeit filters on the market. Here’s how to know for sure that your Black Berkey® Elements are authentic. Plus, learn what to do if you’re sold a counterfeit product.

LOOK AT THE SIDE OF THE BOX

One Sample of a Counterfeit Black Berkey® Box (Side):

An Authentic Black Berkey® Box (Side):

SEE WHAT’S INSIDE THE BOX

One Sample of a Counterfeit Black Berkey® Box:
(Element Packaging Inside Box)

One Sample of an Authentic Black Berkey® Box:
(Element Packaging Inside Box)

Using Holograms to Combat Counterfeits

With the appearance of knock-off and counterfeit filters in the market, NMCL took strategic measures to develop authenticity verification holograms that were affixed on all Berkey®-branded filters. After a period of time, we discovered that not only had criminals copied our filters and packaging, but they were also copying our authentication holograms. We therefore began to add features to our holograms to help consumers distinguish between authentic and counterfeit filters. Currently, all Berkey®-brand filters feature third-generation holograms with the distinct Berkey® logo and serial number.

Any filters for sale labeled as “Berkey” that have a 1st-Generation or 2nd-Generation* hologram are all counterfeit. 3rd-Generation holograms may appear on authentic or counterfeit packaging.

*It is possible that some Authorized Berkey® Dealers may still have an inventory of older filters in stock with 2nd-Generation holograms. You may contact our Customer Service Department to confirm if a dealer or seller is an Authorized Berkey® Dealer.

Do You Believe You’ve Been Sold Counterfeit Filters? Here’s What to Do Next

After reviewing those examples above, if you suspect your online marketplace purchase (from Amazon, eBay, etc.) may contain counterfeit elements, we suggest the following course of action:

  1. Demand a full refund from the dealer or marketplace (your dispute and its resolution must be made through the marketplace/seller you purchased from, not NMCL. NMCL cannot offer refunds).
  2. Return the product stating the specific seller from whom you purchased, shipped you counterfeit filters.
  3. Leave a review on the specific seller’s storefront stating that the seller sold and shipped you counterfeit filters, rather than authentic Black Berkey® Elements.
  4. Contact NMCL to report the marketplace and seller that sold you the counterfeit product (this helps us identify and take action against unauthorized sellers). We also urge customers who have been fooled into purchasing untested knock-off carbon block filters advertised as replacements to follow the same procedure.
  5. Replace the counterfeit filters by purchasing genuine Black Berkey® Elements from an Authorized Berkey® Dealer.