Countermeasures against Counterfeit Products
QR Code Genuineness Determination System
A QR code printed serial number label is attached to applicable model. The label enables you to distinguish genuine Icom products from counterfeit (fake) products. If the QR code is not printed on the serial number label of the product, it could be counterfeit.
NOTICE:
Some products previously had hologram stickers attached as a means of distinguishing them from counterfeit items.
However, we have confirmed cases where the hologram stickers themselves have been counterfeited. Therefore, from mid-2025, we have discontinued their use and standardized on a more stringent authentication system using QR codes.
For products that have the hologram stickers attached, we recommend carefully checking the information on the applicable model and serial number to verify whether the hologram is genuine.
A QR code printed serial number label is attached to applicable model. The label enables you to distinguish genuine Icom products from counterfeit (fake) products. If the QR code is not printed on the serial number label of the product, it could be counterfeit.
When you scan the QR code and a "Genuine" screen is displayed as shown below, check the the contents to determine whether your product is genuine or not.
- Your product's first 8 digits and the shown numbers must match.
- Shows the number of times the product has been checked on this website.If the number is large, the QR code could the have been copied.
- Shows the last previous accessed date and time.
- Authenticating Server "Icom Inc." must be displayed.
When you scan the QR code and a "Counterfeit" screen or any other content is displayed, the product is counterfeit.
This is a sample QR code. You can test-access it, and see the result of a "Counterfeit" screen.
QR Code is registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED in Japan and in other countries.
What Should You Do If You find Counterfeit Icom Products or a Counterfeit Website?
If you suspect that you have been offered or purchased counterfeit Icom products, contact your local distributors, or directly contact us: export@icom.co.jp
A list of our authorized distributors is here : Distributors
Current Models with the QR Code Genuineness Determination System
ALL Icom radios are Made in Japan
Icom has its own manufacturing facilities only in Japan. All Icom products are tested to pass rigorous in-house tests as well as environmental tests at our factories in Japan before shipping.
Dust Protection
Water Resistance
Transit Drop Test
Icom radios marked " Made in China" or made in another country are 100% fake.
* Accessories such as batteries, chargers, microphones and other items can be made in other countries.
Genuine vs Counterfeit
Although the prices of counterfeit products are less than genuine products, counterfeit products have the following disadvantages and risks compared to genuine Icom products.
Risk of leakage, fire or explosion of the battery
Shorter battery life
(Which means you must change or recharge your battery often.)
Shorter communication range
(Which means your voice may not reach as far as you expected.)
No support from Icom
Not as rugged as a genuine Icom radio
(It may easily break if you drop it.)
Much shorter product life
(You need to replace the radios more often.)
- Lower sensitivity (Which means you may not hear a signal).
- Lower performance at high or low temperatures or in severe environments.
- The display has a narrower viewing angle (Which means the characters on the display are vague).
Icom policy regarding counterfeit products and their suppliers
We have taken legal actions against counterfeit manufacturers, importers and suppliers in many countries. In addition, we continuously update counterfeit product information and inform custom authorities, dealers and end-users to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit products. We are making our best efforts to eliminate fake products from the market.
Counterfeit products are often not type approved.
You might be penalized, or products can be confiscated, under your country’s law.
Three types of counterfeit (fake) Icom products
| Example | Advisory | |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 Copies of currently produced models |
IC-V80(-T), IC-V80E, IC-V88, IC-U88, IC-M200, IC-2300H (-T), IC-718 | Purchase only those models with a genuine hologram label. |
| Type 2 Copies of discontinued models (No production/inventory) |
IC-V8, IC-U80, IC-V85, IC-V82, IC-M304, IC-2200H | Almost all Type 2 products are counterfeit. It has been a long time since the products were discontinued. Purchase the new models, such as the IC-V80 and IC-2300H (with a genuine hologram label). |
| Type 3 Non-Icom models but with an Icom logo |
Non-Icom model IC-V87, IC-V89, IC-UV91 | Type 3 models are 100% counterfeit. |
Pay special attention to counterfeit IC-V80, IC-718 (currently produced model) and IC-V82 (discontinued model).
Copies of these models are floating in the market.