Before buying an oxygen concentrator, verify what is being sold and who will support it. A low price does not prove a counterfeit, and an expensive machine or familiar logo does not prove authenticity. Check the exact unit and documents rather than relying on a visual impression.
Start with the prescription. A genuine device can still be unsuitable if it does not provide the required flow, delivery mode or operating conditions.
Identify the seller and product
Request the seller’s business details, the manufacturer or Indian importer, the exact model and a written description of the condition: new, used or refurbished. Confirm what accessories are included and what return, installation and service arrangements apply.
Obtain official contact details independently, such as through the manufacturer or importer’s website. Ask whether the seller and model are recognised and what warranty applies to that unit in India. A delayed reply or missing database entry needs investigation; neither is conclusive proof of counterfeiting.
Match the paperwork
Compare the model and serial number on the unit with the invoice, warranty and supplied documents. Resolve unexplained mismatches before accepting delivery. Keep photographs of the label and copies of the original sale documents.
Ask for the applicable Indian regulatory documentation and the identity of its licence holder. CDSCO’s official medical-device information explains the regulatory framework and different licensing routes. An import licence and a manufacturing licence are different documents; a generic “approved” sticker or unrelated certificate is not a substitute for information covering the actual product.
If you cannot establish the scope or validity of a document, ask the named manufacturer, importer or relevant authority for clarification. Do not assume that an overseas certification establishes every requirement for sale and support in India.
Inspect condition without opening the cabinet
Check for visible damage, missing accessories, a damaged lead or signs that the supplied condition differs from the sale description. Packaging style, screw marks, a particular plug or the language of a manual can raise questions but cannot reliably authenticate a machine by themselves.
For a used or refurbished unit, ask what was inspected or replaced, what performance checks were completed, who did the work and what warranty is offered. Request available operating-hour and service records. “Refurbished” should be explained, not treated as a guarantee of a particular test programme.
Confirm performance and support
Arrange a handover demonstration against the model’s instructions. Ask how the supplier verifies flow and oxygen concentration and who to contact if an alarm appears. A fingertip oximeter cannot test the concentrator’s gas output.
If concerns arise after purchase, preserve the device labels, invoice, listing and correspondence. Contact the seller and manufacturer or importer with specific questions. Suspected device-quality or regulatory problems can be raised with the relevant drug-control authority; unresolved consumer disputes can be taken to the National Consumer Helpline. Avoid public accusations until the facts are established, and arrange a safe prescribed oxygen supply if the equipment cannot be relied on.