How to identify a counterfeit Canon NB-4L lithium-ion battery.

2010-09-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

The purpose of this Blog is to provide useful information to anyone buying any rechargeable battery from online sellers or auction websites. As with any online purchase its Buyer Beware but with some research and caution your risk of being ripped off can be reduced.

Why are counterfeit or fake batteries bad?
How do I know if I have a counterfeit Canon NB-4L lithium-ion battery?
Is it risky buying a cheap battery off eBay or Amazon which costs 3X or more retail?
Can I use generic lithium-ion rechargeable batteries with my camera or camcorder?
CIPA - Camera & Imaging Products Association - Notice Concerning Counterfeit Battery Packs
Canon U.S.A. Consumer & Home Office - Product Advisories

Why are counterfeit or fake batteries bad?
The main reasons are false advertising as genuine product, lower quality construction, reduced performance, possibly dangerous and explosive if substandard material was used, the targeted manufacturer has lost a sale and the criminals gained your cash.

How do I know if I have a counterfeit Canon NB-4L lithium-ion battery?

There are 5 primary ways to detect counterfeit batteries.

Price - a third to quarter regular store price or less.
Labeling - blurry or distorted printing
Packaging - unsealed easy to open
Hologram - some are obvious fakes
Operation - triggers low battery warning after being fully charged, abnormal charging.

Its very obvious in these closeups which is fake, even the plastic surface is rougher on fakes.
Battery labeled Fake #1 was purchased off eBay in 2006, Fake #2 off Amazon seller in 2010.

Look closely at the lettering and even the spelling, if it looks cheap its a fake.

The genuine Canon battery packaging has crimped glue sealed edges plus the anti-counterfeiting hologram located at the top left corner. With today's technology its easier to reproduce a near perfect hologram label so don't rely on that security measure alone.

Is it risky buying a cheap battery off eBay or Amazon which costs 3X or more retail?
You risk poor performance or damaging your camera and charger or serious burns and injury if it over heats.

CIPA - Camera & Imaging Products Association - Notice Concerning Counterfeit Battery Packs

Quoted from Canon's website - Product Advisories:

"Because these counterfeit lithium-ion battery packs are often not equipped with certain protective devices meeting Canon's and industry's basic quality standards, using or recharging these counterfeit lithium-ion battery packs could cause your camera or camcorder to malfunction, or lead these battery packs to overheat, leak liquids, ignite or explode. In the worst case, this could not only damage your camera or camcorder, but also result in fire, burns and/or injuries (including loss of eyesight). Accordingly, these counterfeit lithium-ion battery packs should not be used."
"Please be advised that Canon is not responsible, and will not be liable, for any malfunctions, damages or injuries caused by non-Canon genuine lithium-ion battery pack (including any counterfeit products)."

Can I use generic lithium-ion rechargeable batteries with my camera or camcorder?
There are other battery manufacturers that produce generic replacement batteries. These are usually closer in price to the original and are reliable, safe and legitimately sold under their own generic brand names
such as: OpTex or DigiPower and others.

I hope you found this information useful. Please post your comments and concerns related to fake batteries.

Counterfeit Canon NB-4L Battery

How to identify a counterfeit Canon NB-4L lithium-ion battery.