7 Red Flags and False Claims to Watch for When Buying Body Armor in 2026: A Buyer’s Guide for Law Enforcement, First Responders & Procurement Teams
Body armor buyers in 2026 face more misinformation than ever, from false NIJ compliance claims to unverified “special threat” plates. This guide explains the 7 biggest red flags to watch for — pricing that’s too good to be true, vague material descriptions, missing lab reports, and new shell companies — and clarifies when non-NIJ armor may still be appropriate. Learn how to verify products, companies, and certifications using IntelAlytic and The Armor List.
“NIJ Certified” Body Armor Is a Myth – Here’s the Truth About Real NIJ Compliant Armor (2025 Update)
“NIJ certified” is a myth. And one that continues to mislead buyers, sellers, and even manufacturers. The National Institute of Justice does not certify body armor; it defines performance standards and oversees the Compliance Testing Program (CTP) that determines which models appear on the official Compliant Products List (CPL). In an industry where accuracy saves lives, using the right terminology matters. This article explains what NIJ actually does, why the “NIJ certified” claim persists, and how to verify legitimate compliance through the NIJ CPL and The Armor List.
The Armor List: Smarter Data, Faster Performance, and Real-Time NIJ Body Armor Updates
The Armor List, powered by IntelAlytic, continues to evolve as the trusted data platform for the law enforcement and armor community. The latest update brings faster performance, smarter search, and real-time NIJ certification integration — ensuring agencies, procurement teams, and manufacturers always have verified, current, and actionable armor data at their fingertips.