3/12/2025 - We wanted to provide a quick update to our loyal customers because unfortunately this situation has not gotten better since our original post, and has only gotten worse. Not only are there an increasing number of "Berkey" knockoff filters, but there are now many knockoff systems using these same China-made filters as well. We are trying to assist customers who have been duped, but unfortunately we have no control over these unregulated and unvetted counterfeit sellers who are using "Berkey" or other similar "gravity filter descriptions" in their name. We ask that our customer base be very careful if purchasing from 3rd party platforms like Amazon, Ebay, Walmart, etc.
2022 has been the worst year on record for counterfeit Berkey products. By year end, the estimate is that close to $3 Million of Berkey counterfeits will have been sold, much of it on Amazon, Ebay, and other hard to regulate 3rd party marketplaces that have "Berkey" in their seller name, but are in no way associated with Berkey. The Black Berkey Elements seem to be the most commonly counterfeited product due to it's ease of imitation. 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.
Replacement Filters for Berkey Systems
- Image not found610 ReviewsPF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Water Filters (2) - Fits Black Berkey Filters Only$103.00
103.00
Step 1: Examine the Side of the Black Berkey Box
Step 2: Now, Look Inside the Box
Berkey Now Uses 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, including verifiable serial numbers for which consumers could call our customer service department to verify if the Berkey® filters they purchased were genuine or fake.
In an effort to stay ahead of the illegal counterfeit activities impacting the Berkey® brand, we have had to make several iterations of holograms. Second-generation holograms are currently being used on all Berkey®-brand filters, and we will soon release a more advanced third-generation hologram with more advanced features.
Samples of Counterfeit Berkey Holograms
Authentic Current 2nd-Gen Holograms
*Authenticity verification holograms with unique verifiable serial numbers are found on all current packaging for Berkey® filters including Black Berkey® Elements and Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements.
Due to mixed inventory in our distribution channels, some older packaging of Black Berkey® Elements boxes may not have a verifiable serial number on them yet. Absence of the verifiable serial number on the hologram on Black Berkey® Elements box does not necessarily indicate that the elements inside are not authentic, making it critically important you are buying from an authorized dealer.
Consumers that identify they have received Black Berkey® Elements in a counterfeit box (as shown above/earlier) can be 100% sure they have counterfeit Black Berkey® Elements. At some point, all holograms on Black Berkey® Elements boxes will have an identifiable serial number.
Consumers that receive Berkey PF-2™ Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements without a hologram displaying a serial number is an indication that the elements are counterfeit. There is no of mix old and new inventory of the PF-2's like the Black Berkey Elements.
Customers may contact our Customer Service to verify if they have authentic Berkey® elements.
