Consumers urged to exercise caution buying masks on secondary market

With N95 mask supplies tightening across retail outlets, consumers increasingly turning to secondary markets risk encountering counterfeit or substandard products, according to consumer protection advocates. The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) cautioned shoppers to verify the authenticity and quality of protective equipment before completing purchases on unofficial reselling platforms.

Temporary shortages of legitimate N95 masks have prompted some retailers to limit stock availability, creating an opening for unauthorized sellers to capitalize on heightened demand. These secondary market sellers may offer products that fail to meet safety standards or lack proper certification, potentially compromising the protective benefits consumers expect.

CASE recommends purchasing masks exclusively from authorized retailers and licensed pharmacies to ensure product authenticity. Consumers should examine packaging for official certification marks and verify seller credentials before transacting. Health authorities emphasize that ineffective masks provide false reassurance during periods of poor air quality.

The association also advised consumers to report suspicious sellers or counterfeit products to relevant authorities. For haze-related purchases, buying from established retailers—despite potential delays—remains the safest approach to protect personal health during air quality emergencies.