Pressure Mounts on HP Over Blocking Third‑Party Ink

Members of the International Imaging Technology Council (Int’l ITC) are publicly criticizing HP for firmware updates that disable third‑party ink and toner cartridges in its printers. HP describes the practice as "Dynamic Security," a measure it has used for years to prevent non‑HP supplies from functioning in specific printer models.

The Int’l ITC — which represents toner and inkjet cartridge re‑manufacturers, component suppliers and cartridge collectors — says the tactic conflicts with devices registered under the General Electronics Council’s (GEC) EPEAT 2.0 registry. Under EPEAT rules, products listed in that registry are expected to meet environmental and circularity commitments that include reasonable support for aftermarket or remanufactured supplies.

HP has maintained that Dynamic Security protects devices from counterfeit or malicious consumables, framing the firmware checks as a security and reliability measure. Critics say the effect is to lock customers into HP’s own cartridges, raising costs for consumers and limiting repair and reuse ecosystems that support sustainability goals.

It’s worth noting the Int’l ITC’s potential conflict of interest: its members would benefit commercially if manufacturers were required or expected to accommodate third‑party supplies. Still, the group’s attention is creating renewed scrutiny on whether firmware locks are compatible with environmental certifications and consumer rights.

For HP, the spotlight could create a fresh incentive to reconsider how Dynamic Security is implemented, especially for models marketed with EPEAT credentials. For printer owners and aftermarket suppliers, the debate underscores broader questions: how should companies balance device security, environmental commitments and consumer choice?