Counterfeit Xenon HID bulbs can put you in jeopardy.

Learn how to protect yourself

The counterfeit Xenon HID epidemic

Counterfeit Xenon HID bulbs are increasingly available through online and offline channels. But counterfeits can lead to serious safety and performance issues. And retailers should know that buying, selling, or being in possession of counterfeit products is illegal.

A threat to drivers

Counterfeit Xenon HID bulbs often result in insufficient illumination and excessive glare for oncoming traffic. That puts drivers and passengers in harm’s way.

Counterfeit Xenon HIDs can also severely damage vehicle headlamps or electronics. Bulb explosions can lead to catastrophic results, and in some cases, simply switching on the lights could cause the airbags to activate.

Protecting HID authenticity

It’s not easy for consumers or retailers to distinguish between counterfeits and genuine Xenon HIDs by simply looking at the product. That’s why we’ve created the Philips Certificate of Authenticity (COA).

Every genuine Philips Xenon HID package features a COA with a holographic seal, label ID, security code, and QR code. Consumers and retailers can verify the authenticity of the product either by scanning the QR code or by entering the label ID and security code, at www.philips.com/original.

Plus, to help shut down counterfeiters, we’ve added tamper-evident seals to our packaging as well as tamper-evident tape to our shipping cartons.

For consumers
For consumers

Here's how to protect yourself from counterfeit Philips Xenon HID bulbs:

Buy from trusted sources

To help ensure that you’re getting genuine Philips Xenon HIDs, always buy from a certified Philips retailer. A list of certified resellers can be found in the “Where to buy” section of the Philips automotive lighting website.

Is it real? Check the Seal!

Check the tamper-evident seal on the product carton. If the seal has been opened and re-closed, the seal will reveal a Philips logo and a lock/unlocked icon. This tells you that it is possible that someone may have removed the genuine Philips Xenon HID bulb and replaced it with a counterfeit.

Never buy any Xenon HID bulb that's not in its original factory package!

Check online

Genuine Philips Xenon HID packages have a Certificate Of Authenticity (COA). You can verify the authenticity of the package by going to www.philips.com/original and entering the COA’s label ID and security code.

If you find that you’ve been sold a counterfeit, contact Philips to pursue the issue. Call us at: 1-800-257-6054
For distributors / retailers
For distributors / retailers

Protect your customers, protect your business

Distributors and retailers that sell counterfeits risk severe legal repercussions. Selling counterfeits is illegal, and violators face massive fines and possible jail time. Counterfeit Xenon HID bulbs can cause damage to consumers’ vehicles and lead to motor vehicle accidents that may make sellers liable for damages.

Counterfeits are not easy to spot

Counterfeiters have become very sophisticated in copying the appearance of genuine products and packaging. In some cases, they are even selling counterfeits in packages that originally held a genuine Philips product.

We’re working to educate our distributors on how to spot Xenon HID counterfeits, and providing tools that distributors, retailers, and installers can use to protect themselves from counterfeits.

Plus we’ve add advanced features to our packaging and shipping cartons to defeat the counterfeiters.

Is it real? Check the Seal!

Always check the tamper-evident seals on Philips OE replacement Xenon HID bulb cartons. If the seal has been opened and re-closed, it will reveal a Philips logo and a lock/unlocked icon. This tells you that it’s possible that someone has removed the genuine Philips Xenon HID bulb and replaced it with a counterfeit.

Likewise, check the shipping carton tape. We’re protecting the integrity of our product during shipping and handling with tamper-evident tape. If the carton has been opened and resealed, the tape reveals text that shows the carton has been opened.

Authenticity benefits you.

We want you to grow your business with genuine Philips automotive lamps. Selling Philips advanced automotive products will reassure your customers that you are a professional automotive lighting expert and will enhance your name in the marketplace. As a certified distributor of Philips genuine products, you will attract more business, increase your profitability, and create customer loyalty.

Where to buy?

You can find where to buy Philips Automotive lighting products online and in stores at our Where to buy page.

Find a store

Safety you can see

Our lamps produce more light, last longer and deliver more consistent performance than ever before, offering you a safer driving experience. Safety is at the heart of our brand and the inspiration for 'Safety You Can See.' By producing high-quality lighting, we believe we enhance road safety. Changing in pairs ensures you get the best out of your vehicle’s lighting.