Heidi Norton
Chanel is one of the most counterfeited perfume brands in the world, and fake perfumes are often sold on sites like eBay and Amazon, as well as in physical stores. To ensure that you are buying an authentic Chanel perfume, it is recommended to purchase only from authorised Chanel boutiques or retailers. However, if you are buying from a third party, there are some clues that can help you identify whether a Chanel perfume is authentic or not. For instance, the wording EMB plus 6 numbers on the box indicates that the perfume was created in 1976 or after. The symbol for alcohol on the box is ° until 1980 and % after 1980. Chanel perfume bottles also have a four-number batch code, with the first two numbers being the most important. Authentic Chanel No. 5 products have the Chanel branding on the back of the front label, visible through the rear of the bottle, and are etched with a lot number on the back of the bottle near the top.
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What You'll Learn
- Check the seller: Only buy from an authorised Chanel retailer or boutique
- Inspect the packaging: Look for the packaging clues like the EMB code, alcohol symbol, barcode, greendot, and Eau de Toilette/Cologne wording
- Examine the bottle: Check for the Chanel branding, lot number, and the visibility of the tube
- Compare the scent: Compare its smell with a bottle sold from an authorised Chanel retailer
- Verify with Chanel: Contact Chanel directly and provide them with photos of the product in question
Check the seller: Only buy from an authorised Chanel retailer or boutique
Chanel is one of the most difficult fashion houses to decipher when trying to authenticate its perfumes. The company has stated that there is only one way to ensure that its products are genuine: purchase them only from CHANEL boutiques or from authorised retailers.
Chanel has implemented a new trademarked logo, a black-and-white circular badge with the words "CHANEL Authorized Retailer", which appears on the websites of third-party fragrance and cosmetics retailers such as Sephora, Ulta, Bloomingdale's, and Macy's. This logo is designed to help consumers identify authorised sellers of Chanel products.
Chanel has also stated that it does not authorise any online sellers of its leather goods, fashion items, or watches. The only Chanel products that authorised retailers sell online are fragrance, beauty, and eyewear products.
Chanel is very proactive in its anti-counterfeiting efforts, dedicating considerable resources to fighting counterfeit producers worldwide. The company conducts investigations, raids, and court actions against actors at all levels of the counterfeit supply chain. It also works closely with local authorities and law enforcement agencies to stop the sale of counterfeit goods and regularly takes down websites, advertisements, and social media pages that offer counterfeit Chanel products for sale.
In addition to its legal efforts, Chanel engages in consumer education initiatives to inform the public about the dangers of counterfeits, including health risks and the funding of criminal activities. Chanel advises consumers to be wary of any alleged Chanel goods sold online, as counterfeit manufacturers have become highly sophisticated, making it nearly impossible to determine the authenticity of a product without physically examining it.
Therefore, to ensure that you are purchasing an authentic Chanel perfume, it is essential to buy only from authorised Chanel retailers or boutiques.
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Inspect the packaging: Look for the packaging clues like the EMB code, alcohol symbol, barcode, greendot, and Eau de Toilette/Cologne wording
Inspecting the packaging is a crucial step in determining the authenticity of Chanel perfume. Here are the packaging clues to look out for:
EMB Code
The presence or absence of the EMB code can help date the perfume. The EMB code refers to the French government's 1978 legislation on product packaging. Chanel perfumes created before 1978-1979 typically lack this code. If your perfume has the EMB code but no barcode, it likely dates to the 1980s. Chanel perfumes with both the EMB code and a barcode were produced after 1989-1990. The EMB code is only valid for "Made in France" products, so be cautious if you see it on products manufactured elsewhere.
Alcohol Symbol
The alcohol symbol is another dating indicator. Chanel perfumes manufactured before 1980 used the degree symbol ("°") to denote alcohol content. After 1980, the percentage sign ("%") became standard.
Barcode
The presence of a barcode on the box indicates that the perfume was produced after 1990.
Greendot
The appearance of the Greendot on Chanel packaging began in 1992. This symbol is related to product ingredients and is used on cosmetic and household products in India. It indicates that the product is vegetarian and does not contain ingredients derived from animals, insects, fish, or birds.
Eau de Toilette/Cologne Wording
Chanel perfumes produced before 1995 typically feature the wording "Eau de Toilette/Cologne" above the brand name, "Chanel."
Additionally, pay attention to the batch code, which is a four-number code that does not directly reference the year. For example, the code "9510" indicates information about the production month but not the year. Chanel resets these batch codes periodically, so the same combination can represent different years.
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Examine the bottle: Check for the Chanel branding, lot number, and the visibility of the tube
When examining the bottle of a Chanel perfume to assess its authenticity, there are a few key things to look out for: the Chanel branding, the lot number, and the visibility of the tube.
Firstly, the Chanel branding on the bottle should be crisp, clear, and correctly spelled. The iconic Chanel logo is often embossed or printed on the bottle, and sometimes also appears on the outer packaging. Check for any misspellings or inconsistencies in the logo, as this is a tell-tale sign of a counterfeit product.
Next, locate the lot or batch number, which is typically a series of numbers (and sometimes letters) that indicate when and where the perfume was produced. Chanel's batch codes usually consist of four numbers, with the first two numbers indicating the production period. For example, "9510" would correspond to May, with "95" indicating the month and the remaining numbers having no reference value. It's worth noting that Chanel does not provide a reference for current or past years, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact production date.
Additionally, pay attention to the visibility of the tube inside the bottle. Authentic Chanel perfumes should have a visible tube that reaches the bottom of the bottle, ensuring that every last drop of perfume can be accessed and used. This attention to detail is characteristic of Chanel's commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Another important detail to look out for is the alcohol symbol. Until 1980, the symbol used was "°", and after 1980, it changed to "%". For example, "80°" indicates a production date before 1980, while "80%" indicates a date after 1980.
By carefully examining the branding, lot number, and visibility of the tube, you can make a more informed assessment of the authenticity of a Chanel perfume. Remember, Chanel is committed to fighting counterfeit goods and protecting consumers from potential health risks and inferior quality.
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Compare the scent: Compare its smell with a bottle sold from an authorised Chanel retailer
Chanel is one of the most prestigious perfume houses, with its first fragrance, Chanel No. 5, launched in 1921. Since then, Chanel has become synonymous with elegance, glamour, and chicness. With such a renowned reputation, it's no surprise that Chanel perfumes are often replicated, making it crucial to know how to distinguish an authentic Chanel perfume.
Comparing the scent of a Chanel perfume with a bottle purchased from an authorised retailer is a reliable method to determine its authenticity. Chanel perfumes are complex and meticulously crafted, with specific notes that blend harmoniously. By comparing the scent of your perfume to that of a trusted source, you can identify any discrepancies that may indicate a counterfeit product.
For example, Chanel's iconic Coco Mademoiselle is renowned for its seamless blend of notes, creating a clean and dainty aroma. The orange and rose notes balance the smokey, rich patchouli, resulting in a unique fragrance that defies immediate association with any specific note or scent family. If your perfume lacks this intricate balance or possesses an overwhelming presence of a particular note, it may be an indication of a counterfeit product.
Additionally, Chanel No. 5, another legendary fragrance, is characterised by its powdery and full-bodied scent, featuring a blooming jasmine bouquet complemented by neroli, bourbon vanilla, and sandalwood. If your perfume deviates from this intricate combination, it may be a cause for concern.
By comparing the scent of your Chanel perfume to that of a bottle sold by an authorised retailer, you can detect any inconsistencies in the notes or overall aroma, helping you make an informed judgment about the authenticity of the product.
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Verify with Chanel: Contact Chanel directly and provide them with photos of the product in question
Chanel does not provide the public with detailed information on how to identify genuine Chanel perfumes as this data could be used by counterfeiters. However, there are some ways to verify the authenticity of your Chanel perfume.
Chanel's website recommends purchasing products only from CHANEL boutiques or authorized retailers. Chanel conducts investigations, raids, and court actions against counterfeit manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, and works closely with police and customs agencies to stop the sale of counterfeit goods. Therefore, buying directly from Chanel or an authorized retailer will give you peace of mind.
If you have doubts about your Chanel perfume, you can contact Chanel directly and provide them with photos of the product in question. Chanel takes the fight against counterfeit goods very seriously and is dedicated to protecting its intellectual property rights and ensuring consumer safety. By providing clear and detailed photos of your perfume, Chanel may be able to help you determine its authenticity.
When taking photos of your perfume to send to Chanel, be sure to capture the following key details:
- Bottle cap: A real Chanel cap has a lightly gritty, frosted glass texture with a smooth, velvety feel. The interlocking CC Chanel logo should be faint and barely visible.
- Sprayer and spray tube: Genuine sprayers have a flat top with clean edges, while counterfeits often have a concave shape. The tube should be transparent and barely detectable.
- Font and engraving: Authentic Chanel branding uses clean, crisp lines in its iconic elongated font. The letters on the bottom label should be deeply and evenly engraved into the glass.
- Weight: Counterfeit bottles often weigh more than authentic Chanel bottles.
- Serial code: Check for a serial code engraved on the bottle and box. This may be faint and require a magnifying glass to spot.
While it is challenging to determine the authenticity of a perfume from photos alone, Chanel may be able to provide additional insight or guidance based on your images.
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