I recently bought an HP Cartridge for LaserJet printer 3600 series, it’s only four months since then but the ink is almost over with the printer reminding me to replace them, this my first time purchase, I have been using the cartridge it came with and taken about 4 years, I contacted the retailer only to tell me that his hands are tied. Is there a way to identify whether these are refilled cartridges?
How to Identify Genuine HP Cartridges?
Hi, to identify a refilled cartridges, usually also packaged in a box that is similar to the genuine HP package but the difference is their price it has a very low price than thegenuine HP cartridge. That’s the only way to identify a refilled HP cartridge. However, to identify a genuine HP cartridge is first the genuine labels when you try to view the label in different angles it changes colors. Modern HP holograms are dark blue. Another important protection is the variation of dates on the package and the cartridge. Like for example. The marking on the cartridge is Install before July 2011 and the markings on the cartridge is July 2011. So, we’re done!
How to Identify Genuine HP Cartridges?
Hi. Just like any other product, an HP ink cartridge has a security label or sticker found on the packaging. Normally if you tilt or move the packaging sideways, you will notice a color change on the security label or sticker, as well as with the Lettering “Original Ink” or "Original Toner." 
An HP ink cartridge has a warranty information on the packaging or with the cartridge itself. Check the back or the side of the ink cartridge or toner for the manufacturer's warranty information. You will find two sets of numbers. One would be the serial number and the other would be date the ink cartridge warranty expires. Normally the date format is displayed as YYYY/MM/DD. For example, 2011/07/25 would be July 25, 2011.
It's really hard to physically tell if cartridge has been refilled because some ink refillers actually do a good work, literally no trace of refilling whatsoever, only way to tell if its a refilled cartridge is :
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if price is lower than the usual, eventhough there is no sale
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if packaging is tampered
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no security label/sticker on the cartridge or packaging
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warranty date on the cartridge is tampered
You can check for the warranty on HP's website or much better give them a call. You might still be able to get a replacement for your ink cartridge if it's still covered by their warranty
Next time, check if you can see when the ink was manufactured and also the warranty for it. Reason for this is, even brand new ink cartridges tend to fail sooner than expected, might as well be sure that you can get some sort of replacement or something rather than get pissed later on.
The best way to purchase genuine HP cartridges is of course with HP itself, you can do this over the phone, they’ll have it delivered in your doorstep, sometimes you might even get the shipping for free. Another option is through their authorized retailers/resellers.
How to Identify Genuine HP Cartridges?
There are several ways to determine ”GENUINE” HP cartridges. All genuine HP cartridges boxes have the company's security label and with no "Original Toner" indicated on their boxes. These security labels of HP were the "light blue security label" shown below and on the left while the "dark blue security label" can be seen below and on the right. You can simply identify genuine HP seal by tilting the box front to back to see "OK" and a check mark move in opposite directions or by tilting the box from right to left to see color change.
Another way to determine genuine HP cartridges is through its prices available in the market. A vendor is offering HP cartridges in lesser price compared to authorized HP retailer or distributor can be suspicious because there is a possibility that the cartridge may be counterfeit. Also, HP genuine cartridges are usually sealed and have a high quality of packaging. Last, these are always delivered unused, no damage, no ink or toner dusk and scratches or signs that it was previously used and consistent printing quality.
