Makrite 9603 NIOSH-approved surgical N95 respirator

NIOSH Approval Numbers Explained: How to Verify an N95 Is Legitimate

Counterfeit and misrepresented N95 respirators remain a real problem. A mask that looks right but isn't actually NIOSH approved can leave workers and patients without the protection they think they have. The good news: verifying a respirator takes just a few minutes once you know what to look for.

What is a NIOSH approval number?

When NIOSH approves a respirator, it assigns a testing and certification approval number, often called a TC number. For particulate respirators like N95s, it begins with TC-84A, followed by a unique number. For example, the Makrite 9600NV carries approval TC-84A-9842.

Chemical cartridge respirators use a different prefix. For example, the Makrite G510 half-face respirator with the MK9013 organic vapor cartridge is approved under TC-23C-3765.

What to look for on the respirator

A NIOSH-approved filtering facepiece respirator should be marked with:

  • The NIOSH name or logo, spelled correctly
  • The TC approval number
  • The manufacturer's name or registered trademark
  • The model number
  • The filter class and efficiency (for example, N95)
  • A lot number

How to verify it

  1. Find the TC number printed on the respirator or its packaging.
  2. Look it up on the NIOSH Certified Equipment List (CEL), available on the CDC website.
  3. Confirm that the manufacturer and model number listed match what's on the mask.

If the TC number isn't listed, or it's listed under a different manufacturer or model, treat the product as suspect.

Common red flags

  • No markings on the respirator itself, or a misspelled "NIOSH"
  • No TC approval number, or one that doesn't match the CEL
  • Claims of NIOSH approval for children (NIOSH does not approve respirators for children)
  • Decorative add-ons like sequins
  • Ear loops instead of headbands on a mask sold as a NIOSH N95, since approved N95s typically use headbands (always confirm against the CEL)
  • Prices that seem too good to be true, from an unfamiliar seller

Buy from a trusted source

The simplest protection is buying from an authorized supply chain. LMI Textiles is the Master Distributor for Makrite North America, and every Makrite respirator we sell lists its NIOSH approval number on the product page so you can verify it yourself. Browse NIOSH-approved Makrite respirators or contact our team with questions.

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