HP has new incentive to stop blocking third-party ink in its printers

The International Imaging Technology Council (Int’l ITC) has raised concerns against HP regarding recent firmware updates that hinder the functionality of third-party ink and toner in its printers. This practice, referred to by HP as Dynamic Security, has been in place for several years. However, the Int’l ITC is now taking a strong stance against it, citing violations of the General Electronics Council’s (GEC’s) Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) 2.0 registry guidelines. As a nonprofit trade organization, the Int’l ITC claims to represent North American manufacturers of toner and inkjet cartridges, as well as suppliers and collectors. While some may argue that the group has a vested interest—potentially profiting from printer manufacturers' compliance with aftermarket cartridge support—their grievance reflects a broader discontent. Customers and security experts have long criticized HP’s Dynamic Security, making the Int’l ITC's complaints worthy of attention. The EPEAT 2.0 registry, which was updated in December 2025, aims to promote sustainability in electronic products. According to the GEC's website, the new criteria focus on aspects such as climate change mitigation, resource sustainability, and responsible supply chains. Specifically, the EPEAT 2.0 guidelines are designed to encourage environmentally friendly practices regarding third-party ink and toner. The criteria stipulate that manufacturers must ensure their registered products do not obstruct the use of remanufactured cartridges. This includes not issuing firmware updates that intentionally disable these cartridges, particularly those utilizing aftermarket electronic circuitry. Alternatively, printer manufacturers are required to provide solutions that allow the uninterrupted use of remanufactured cartridges without compromising essential functionalities.