At a glance
- Counterfeit and misrepresented masks and other face-worn products may not be capable of providing appropriate respiratory protection to workers and users.
- This page provides examples of counterfeit and misrepresented masks and other face-worn products.
Facts
NIOSH approves respirators in accordance with . Most NIOSH Approved® N95 respirators will have two headband straps, not ear loops. The use of ear loops that do not use a fastener to connect them behind the head may be a sign that a mask or other face-worn product is not approved by NIOSH.
Masks and other face-worn products
NIOSH does not approve or certify other PPE items (e.g., face shields, gloves). The clears medical masks and other types of PPE for use in healthcare settings. If you have questions about these items, please .
International respiratory protective devices
NIOSH does not recognize or validate claims that a product meets a particular international standard.
To support the availability of respiratory protection to US healthcare workers and other workers due to the respirator shortage associated with COVID-19, NIOSH developed to assess the filter efficiency for respirators represented as certified by an international certification authority, other than NIOSH. These assessments were not part of the NIOSH respirator approval process and did not lead to or preclude NIOSH approval through the official approval process.
Counterfeit or misrepresented face-worn product examples
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 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 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 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. Changshu City Hengyun Nonwoven Products Co., Ltd. is not a NIOSH approval holder or a private label assignee. (1/11/2022)
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 approved by NIOSH. 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)
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 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 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 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 approved by NIOSH. 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)
NIOSH received notice of websites selling and misrepresenting Safe Life model B130 and model B150 as approved by NIOSH. These models have not been approved by NIOSH since 2015. This product is no longer compliant to the NIOSH approval and sold without Safe Life Corporation’s permission. (7/24/2020)
This product is not approved by NIOSH. No NIOSH logo or approval number on the face of the product. (11/6/2019)
This product is not approved by NIOSH. No NIOSH logo or approval number on the face of the product. (11/6/2019)
The images above are examples of counterfeit respirators and sold as if they are approved by NIOSH. 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)
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)