---
title: Counterfeit UL Symbols
description: Learn the importance of ensuring the UL label on any product is legitimate along with four red flags for counterfeit UL labels.
image: https://www.thesilverlining.com/hubfs/UL%20symbol.jpg
---

[![West Bend Insurance](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HS%20TEST%20LOGO.png?width=233&height=65&name=HS%20TEST%20LOGO.png "West Bend Insurance")](https://www.thesilverlining.com)

![toggle mobile navigation](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hs-fs/file-1692861603-png/images/nav-toggle.png) [![West Bend Insurance](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hs-fs/file-1696307430-png/images/logo-west-bend.png)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/)

[Find An Agent](https://www.thesilverlining.com/find-an-insurance-agent)

![](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hs-fs/file-1939610327-jpg/website_images/smart-business-blog-banner.jpg)

# Counterfeit UL Symbols

Posted by [Kayla Eggert, AINS, ARM](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/author/kayla-eggert) on Dec 29, 2021 8:30:00 AM

[![Share on facebook](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hubfs/social-icons/facebook-blue.svg) ](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/counterfeit-ul-symbols?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hubfs/social-icons/linkedin-blue.svg) ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/counterfeit-ul-symbols?utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [![Share on twitter](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hubfs/social-icons/twitter-x-blue.svg) ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/counterfeit-ul-symbols?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/counterfeit-ul-symbols?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on pinterest](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hubfs/social-icons/pinterest-blue.svg) ](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesilverlining.com%2Fbusinessblog%2Fblog%2Fcounterfeit-ul-symbols%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=)

Everyone probably recognizes the Underwriters Laboratory or [UL symbol](https://www.ul.com/). It appears on many products, from Christmas lights to fire doors, and it’s universally recognized as a symbol to trust. UL publishes safety standards for a wide range of products and anything that has a UL symbol has been tested and meets their standards. Unfortunately, counterfeiters use the trust placed in UL to their advantage by trying to copy the UL symbol and putting it on products without actually meeting the high safety standards of UL. Regrettably, this sometimes isn’t discovered until the product fails in some way, which can lead to tragic consequences. ![UL symbol](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hs-fs/hubfs/UL%20symbol.jpg?width=294&name=UL%20symbol.jpg)

Just a quick glance at the [public notice section of UL’s website](https://www.ul.com/news/public-notices) reveals many warnings of products using a fake UL mark or label. Recent warnings include counterfeit marks on motors, sprinkler heads, power cords, fire extinguishers, USB chargers, and cordless percussion massagers. If these products fail to work as intended, there could be serious and dangerous outcomes.

According to UL, any product with a true UL mark will have four elements: the UL symbol in a circle, the word “LISTED,” the product identity, and a unique four-character alphanumeric control number code assigned by UL. [They offer the following warning signs](https://code-authorities.ul.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/marapr2004.pdf) that may indicate a product is using a counterfeit UL mark:

- The label doesn’t include the four elements listed above.
- The product or carton references UL, but doesn’t include a company name or address.
- The product references UL on the carton but not on the product itself.
- Cheap, low-quality workmanship and/or packaging.
- Marks with the letters “U” and “L” side by side instead of staggered, or the words “APPROVED” or “PENDING” instead of “LISTED” or “CLASSIFIED.”

Contractors or other employers utilizing UL products in any aspect of their work should be aware of the possibility of products with counterfeit UL symbols. Only authentic, UL approved products should be used.

**Topics:** [Best Practices](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/best-practices)

If you’re a content writer and would like to contribute to our blog, click [here](https://www.thesilverlining.com/content-contributor-agreement) to read our guidelines.

![Kayla Eggert, AINS, ARM](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hubfs/images/Kayla-Eggert-blog-author.jpg)

#### Kayla Eggert, AINS, ARM

 Kayla Eggert began her insurance career at West Bend in 2014 as an underwriting tech, but quickly moved into the Loss Control department as a loss control assistant. There she created content and resources while supporting loss control field representatives. In 2019, she was promoted to loss control representative, and her primary responsibilities included meeting with business owners onsite and providing safety/risk management training and services. Since accepting a new opportunity in Marketing as a marketing services specialist in 2020, she has authored many blogs as a loss control expert. She now heads up content creation, collaborating with team members to educate our policyholders and the public. Kayla graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies. During her time with West Bend, she’s earned the Associate Insurance Services (AINS) and Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designations. In her spare time, Kayla enjoys spending time with her family, running, and reading.

View Kayla Eggert, AINS, ARM's Profile

### Business Blog

### Latest Posts

### Posts by Topic

- [Risk Management (68)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/risk-management)
- [Workers' Compensation (45)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/workers39-compensation)
- [Insurance (37)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/insurance)
- [Business (36)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/business)
- [Child Safety (20)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/child-safety)
- [Human Resources (18)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/human-resources)
- [Safety (18)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/safety)
- [Weather (17)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/weather)
- [Youth Programs (17)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/youth-programs)
- [Commercial business (16)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/commercial-business)
- [Driving (16)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/driving)
- [Facility Maintenance (16)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/facility-maintenance)
- [Cybersecurity (15)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/cybersecurity)
- [Childcare (13)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/childcare)
- [Fire Safety (13)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/fire-safety)
- [Aquatics (11)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/aquatics)
- [West Bend Insurance (10)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/west-bend-insurance)
- [Slips and Falls (9)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/slips-and-falls)
- [Fitness (8)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/fitness)
- [YMCA (8)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/ymca)
- [Independent Insurance Agents (6)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/independent-insurance-agents)
- [Best Practices (5)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/best-practices)
- [Legal (5)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/legal)
- [Social Media (5)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/social-media)
- [Sports (5)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/sports)
- [Auto Safety (4)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/auto-safety)
- [Sales (4)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/sales)
- [Claims (3)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/claims)
- [Communication (3)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/communication)
- [Building (2)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/building)
- [Product Recall (2)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/product-recall)
- [COVID-19 (1)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/covid-19)
- [Holiday (1)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/holiday)

[see all](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/counterfeit-ul-symbols#)

[Find an Agent](https://www.thesilverlining.com/find-an-insurance-agent)

[Report a Claim](https://www.thesilverlining.com/claims/how-to-report-a-claim)

[Make a Payment](https://policyholder.westbendinsurance.com/policyholder/guest-quickpay)

**©2026 West Bend Insurance Company**

1900 South 18th Ave., West Bend, WI 53095

P: 262-334-5571  
F: 262-334-9109

[Privacy Policy](https://www.thesilverlining.com/privacy-policy)  
[Site Map](https://www.thesilverlining.com/site-map)

![West Bend logo reverse](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LOGOS/WBLogoSHORT-877_Small.png?width=233&height=65&name=WBLogoSHORT-877_Small.png "West Bend logo reverse")

1900 South 18th Ave.

West Bend, WI 53095

Main: 1-262-334-5571

Claims: 1-877-922-5246

[**](https://www.facebook.com/135899469764690) [**](https://twitter.com/WBsilverlining) [**](http://pinterest.com/westbendins/) [**](http://www.youtube.com/user/westbendinsurance) [**](https://www.instagram.com/wbsilverlining/) [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/20844)

![testimonials-icon-test](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hubfs/Icons%20-%20home%20page/testimonials-icon.svg)

**93.6%  OVERALL  CLAIMS  SATISFACTION**

[*view testimonials*](https://www.thesilverlining.com/claims/testimonials)

**POLICYHOLDERS**

[Make a Payment](https://policyholder.westbendinsurance.com/policyholder/guest-quickpay)

[Policyholder Login](https://policyholder.westbendinsurance.com)

[Report A Claim](https://www.thesilverlining.com/claims/how-to-report-a-claim)

[Download Our App](https://www.thesilverlining.com/resources/web-portal-mobile-app)

[Billing FAQs](https://www.thesilverlining.com/resources/billing-faqs)

**OTHER RESOURCES**

[Agent Login](https://agent.mysilverlining.com)

[Find An Agent](https://www.thesilverlining.com/find-an-insurance-agent)

**OUR COMPANY**

[About](https://www.thesilverlining.com/about-us)

[Careers](https://www.thesilverlining.com/careers)

[Discover](https://www.thesilverlining.com/discover)

[Philanthropy](https://philanthropy.thesilverlining.com)

[News](https://www.thesilverlining.com/news)

**LEARN**

[Insurance Moms](https://www.thesilverlining.com/insurance-moms)

[Ergo At Your Fingertips](https://www.thesilverlining.com/ergo-at-your-fingertips)

[Teen Driving Resources](https://www.thesilverlining.com/resources/teen-driving)

[Distracted Driving](https://www.thesilverlining.com/focus)

[Blog](https://www.thesilverlining.com/west-bend-blog)

© West Bend Insurance Company 2026  |  [Privacy Policy](https://www.thesilverlining.com/privacy-policy)  |  [Terms of Use](https://www.thesilverlining.com/terms-of-use)  |  [Accessibility Statement](https://www.thesilverlining.com/accessibility)  |  [Site Map](https://www.thesilverlining.com/site-map)  |  [Contact Us](https://www.thesilverlining.com/contact-us)

West Bend Insurance Group (“West Bend”), headquartered in West Bend, Wisconsin, provides property and casualty insurance products across the United States. West Bend’s insurance products are offered through West Bend Insurance Company, West Bend Premier Insurance Company, and West Bend Select Insurance Company. Availability may vary. Not all insurance products are available in all jurisdictions. Not all companies are licensed to operate in all jurisdictions.

X

Please help us improve your experience by taking this one minute survey.

Yes, I'll help

We appreciate your feedback

[Privacy Policy](https://www.thesilverlining.com/privacy-policy)

Feedback

 [ { "key": "fid#1", "value": ["Best practices"] }, { "key": "fid#2", "value": ["Construction","Manufacturing"] }, { "key": "fid#3", "value": ["Article"] } ] 

![](https://dc.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=24180&fmt=gif)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Kayla Eggert, AINS, ARM",
    "url" : "https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/author/kayla-eggert"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2021-12-29T14:30:00.585Z",
  "datePublished" : "2021-12-29T14:30:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Counterfeit UL Symbols",
  "image" : [ "https://www.thesilverlining.com/hubfs/UL%20symbol.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/counterfeit-ul-symbols",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://www.thesilverlining.com/hubfs/HS%20TEST%20LOGO.png"
    },
    "name" : "West Bend Insurance Company"
  }
}
```