Genuine 3M Personal
Protective Equipment
Authentic. Because it Matters.
Ensuring the authenticity of your personal protective equipment.
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Buy from Authorized 3M DistributorsThe best way to avoid purchasing a counterfeit product is to always buy from a 3M authorized reseller. When you do, you have the highest assurance that you have received genuine 3M product.
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Know the Product Regulations and StandardsProduct regulations and standards vary by country and region. It is important to know which regulations and standards are applicable and if the product you are purchasing meets those requirements.
Click below to see specific information about each product type.
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Watch for Red FlagsIs the price in line with your normal purchase price? Is the packaging clear and free of typos? Are the correct regulatory markings on the product and packaging? If not – the product may not be authentic 3M PPE
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Report any suspicious PPE product here.
Select the product you would like more information about:
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Disposable Respirators
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Counterfeit Disposable Respirators pose serious risks, as they are not tested and approved like authentic respirators from 3M. They’re made from unknown materials by an unknown process under quality controls that are also unknown – or even non-existent. Real products mean real protection (when used per the user instruction).
Since March 2020, 3M has been working to combat fraud and counterfeiting. 3M established hotlines in the U.S. and around the world to help end-users and purchasers of 3M products identify authentic 3M respirators and ensure products are from 3M authorized distributors. We filed lawsuits in courts across the country against wrongdoers, terminated 3M distributors for engaging in price gouging or violating 3M policy and collaborated with law enforcement and technology companies to combat fraud. We continue this work still today, because ensuring the authenticity of 3M products remains as important as ever.
Learn more about counterfeit respirators (PDF, 264 KB)
Click below to see the counterfeit alerts by product model:
N95 Respirators: Models 1860, 1860s, 1870+ (PDF, 322 KB)
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Reusable Respirators
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There has been a significant rise in counterfeit and copycat 3M™ Reusable Respirator facepieces, filters and cartridges around the world. Some of these products may look similar to authentic 3M™ Reusable Respirator products. However, the issue of counterfeit and copycat products goes much deeper than appearance. The fit, performance and quality of counterfeit and copycat products may be drastically different from authentic 3M products. This means that while the product may look like an authentic 3M product, its level of respiratory protection is unknown. Counterfeit and copycat respiratory protection products may be made of unknown materials, undergo unknown processes, do not follow or pass stringent NIOSH regulatory requirements, nor do they have on-going quality testing measures in place. These are all important aspects of a quality respirator that you can be assured of when buying authentic 3M™ Reusable Respirators.
NIOSH Respirator Test Procedures
When 3M and other manufacturers submit a respirator to NIOSH for approval, they must meet the applicable requirements outlined in 42 CFR Part 84 (US, English only), the regulation for the Approval of Respiratory Protective Devices.
The submission must contain a variety of data to demonstrate that the respirator under review meets or exceeds performance requirements. After the respirator is approved, 3M must continue to follow strict quality control requirements to help ensure that the material and performance of approved products continue to meet NIOSH requirements.
NIOSH also uses Standard Testing Procedures to verify that respirators provide the expected level of protection for users. The Standard Test Procedures for Reusable Respirators and other types of respiratory protection can be found here: Respirator Approval Program | Respirator Approval Program | CDC (US, English only)
For a quick summary of the quality requirements needed to achieve NIOSH Approval, also consider reviewing this booklet provided by NIOSH that provides an overview of the NIOSH approval process and the application package requirements - Know Before You Apply: Summarized Quality Requirements Needed to Achieve NIOSH Approval (cdc.gov - US, English only) (PDF, 1.89 MB)
Before purchasing respiratory products online or from an unknown distributor learn more about what to look for:
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Welding Helmets and Systems
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Counterfeit welding fume filters pose serious risks, as they are not tested and approved like authentic filters from 3M. They’re made from unknown materials by an unknown process under quality controls that are also unknown – or even non-existent. Real products mean real protection (when used per the user instruction).
Recently there has been on onset of counterfeit welding fume filters for the 3M™ Adflo™ Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) System. 3M continues to investigate these cases and take appropriate actions. We strongly recommend you purchase all 3M products through a 3M Authorized Reseller to have the highest assurance that you will receive authentic product.
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Warning Before Purchasing 3M Products
Click on this Technical Bulletin to get the details on what a copycat or counterfeit product is and why it is important to make sure you purchase authentic 3M welding fume filters.
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Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR)
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Counterfeit personal protection equipment (PPE) pose serious risks, as they are not tested and approved like authentic respirators from 3M. They’re made from unknown materials by an unknown process under quality controls that are also unknown – or even non-existent. Real products mean real protection (when used per the user instruction).
To have the highest level of assurance that you are getting authentic 3M product, be sure you are purchasing from a 3M Authorized Reseller.
Warning Before Purchasing 3M Products
Click on this Technical Bulletin to get the details on what a copycat or counterfeit product is and why it is important to make sure you purchase authentic 3M respiratory products.
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Hearing Protection
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3M has become increasingly aware of counterfeit and copycat earplugs, earmuffs and protective communication products that may look like authentic 3M products. Counterfeit and copycat products may not provide the level of protection expected; they may not have gone through any regulatory or quality assurance testing. Genuine 3M hearing protection products go through rigorous regulatory and quality assurance testing to deliver the level of protection indicated by the attenuation information provided with the product. Regulatory testing and quality assurance measures are critical to providing hearing protection that you can depend on.
To have the highest level of assurance that you are getting authentic 3M product, be sure you are purchasing from a 3M Authorized Reseller.
Warning Before Purchasing 3M Products
Click on this Technical Bulletin to get the details on what a copycat or counterfeit product is and why it is important to make sure you purchase authentic 3M hearing products.
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Expectations of 3M Authorized Distributors
Reporting a Potential Counterfeit Product
Submit a form from the list below to report a potential counterfeit product.
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North and South America
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Canada (English)
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Canada (French)
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Latin America (with the exception of Brazil and Mexico)
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Europe and Africa
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Belgium (Dutch)
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Belgium (French)
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Switzerland (German)
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Switzerland (French)
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All other countries in Europe and Africa (English)
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Additional Resources
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Current Myths and Misconceptions
- 3M does not maintain or endorse a “blacklist” for 3M respiratory protection products.
- 3M does not cobrand disposable nitrile gloves with any other company, including Cardinal Health. 3M does not sell disposable nitrile gloves in the United States, Canada, Europe, China, or many other countries.
- 3M does not use the email address noreply@mmm.com.
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Personal Protective Equipment
Proper selection and use are key to utilizing respirators to help reduce exposure to airborne contaminants. Find Technical Bulletins, How to Videos, Fit Testing Resources and more information to help you protect your employees and yourself.
