Counterfeit Soprano laser devices found in some clinics

Health Canada has warned that counterfeit “Soprano” diode laser hair removal and laser therapy devices have been sold to clinics in Canada and may pose serious health risks. The department posted the public advisory on Sept. 18, 2026, and highlighted it again in its Health Product InfoWatch newsletter, published Oct. 29.

The advisory is filed under medical devices and describes the machines as an unauthorized product. It is aimed at the general public and at clinics that own or operate laser equipment.

According to Health Canada, the authentic Soprano devices are made by Alma Lasers Ltd. The counterfeit machines carry a label saying they were made by Beijing Perfectlaser Technology Co., Ltd. Health Canada said that company provided a falsified medical device licence and falsely represented its products as authorized medical devices. The manufacturer of the real Soprano devices confirmed to Health Canada that the Beijing Perfectlaser devices are counterfeit.

The department said the fake devices “may pose serious health risk due to their unknown safety and effectiveness.” It also said that selling them is illegal in Canada. The advisory says the counterfeit devices have been advertised and sold to clinics in the country.

In Canada, devices like these are regulated as medical devices, which is why a licence matters. A licence is the sign that Health Canada has reviewed the device before it is sold. A falsified licence means that check was never done, and nobody can say how the machine behaves on skin.

For clinics, Health Canada’s advice is to check that the device in front of them is the real thing. The advisory tells operators to verify a device’s authenticity by comparing the information on its permanent label, including the manufacturer name, the device name and the model or catalogue identifier, with the matching information on the device licence in the department’s Medical Devices Active Licence Listing. Clinics that find they have a counterfeit product should stop using it immediately and dispose of it safely. Operators who are unsure whether a device is authentic are told to consult the manufacturer.

For clients, the advisory is more limited. Health Canada said anyone who received laser therapy services and has health concerns, including immediate pain, skin reddening or swelling, should consult a licensed health-care professional. It also asks people to report any health product-related side effects or complaints to the department.

The general warning in the advisory is not to buy or use unauthorized medical devices. If someone has already bought one, Health Canada said, they should stop using it right away and dispose of it.

There are limits to what the advisory tells the public. It does not give model numbers, serial numbers or licence numbers for the counterfeit machines. It does not name any clinics, and it does not say how many devices were sold or whether anyone has been injured. Health Canada did not report any case counts in the notice. A client cannot tell from the advisory alone whether a particular clinic is affected, so questions about a specific machine are best put to the clinic or to Health Canada.

The InfoWatch newsletter also points to a related national campaign. MedSafetyWeek runs from Nov. 2 to 8, 2026, under the theme “Side effects: don’t ignore them, report them.” Health Canada says reports can be made through the Canada Vigilance Program, which takes calls at 1-866-234-2345.

Health Canada’s public enquiries line is 613-957-2991 or toll-free at 1-866-225-0709. A separate web page lets people report a health or safety concern directly. Both are listed in the advisory.

The advisory was published more than a month ago, and Health Canada has not listed any updates to it. Anyone who works in or visits a clinic that offers laser hair removal can check the department’s recall and advisory pages for changes.

This article is based on official guidance from Health Canada and is provided for general public information. It’s not a substitute for medical advice, if you have questions about how this applies to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

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Sources: Health Canada, Counterfeit laser hair removal and therapy devices found in some clinics and may pose serious health risks (Sept. 18, 2026); Health Canada, Health Product InfoWatch: October 2026; Health Canada, Medical Devices Active Licence Listing.