What is a counterfeit substance?

A counterfeit substance is characterized as one that falsely bears a manufacturer's mark. This definition captures various situations where a product is misrepresented, including instances where the substance may mimic a legitimate product but lacks the appropriate authentication or quality control associated with legitimate manufacturing practices. This means that the counterfeit substance may be a fake version of a drug or chemical that is designed to deceive consumers or healthcare professionals into believing it is genuine.

In contrast, substances with a valid prescription, those authorized for distribution, or those solely used in research settings do not inherently qualify as counterfeit. A valid prescription indicates that the substance has been legally obtained and approved for use, while authorized for distribution means the substance has met regulatory standards for safety and efficacy. Substances limited to research settings are typically not intended for public distribution or use, thus they do not fall under the typical scope of counterfeit categorization.