Speaking with Salil Chawla, Director of DFU Publications, and Manoj Kochar l President of ASPA, the Authentication Solution Providers Association, and the Co-founder of HoloFlex Limited, a Kolkata-based company, on the sidelines of the TAF 2025 show.
The key challenge we face is raising consumer awareness. As we've discussed throughout this conference, simply pushing authentication solutions is not enough unless consumers actively verify product authenticity.
Unfortunately, brands are often reluctant to highlight counterfeiting issues, and as solution providers, we lack the financial resources for large-scale awareness campaigns. This is where government intervention is crucial.
If the government prioritizes consumer awareness about counterfeiting, it can make a significant impact. Educating the public on identifying counterfeit products—checking security features, verifying packaging details, asking for purchase receipts, and scanning QR codes—can empower consumers to make informed decisions.
Government support is essential, and while there is growing recognition of the issue, more needs to be done. Events like this conference help engage regulators and policymakers, creating momentum for legislative and awareness initiatives. ASPA is actively reaching out to the Consumer Affairs Ministry, seeking allies within the government to champion this cause.
Certain industries are particularly vulnerable to counterfeiting. Pharmaceuticals, processed foods, and agriculture are among the most affected sectors. As highlighted earlier, counterfeit agricultural inputs can lead to crop failure, harming farmers' livelihoods and even contributing to tragic suicides. In pharmaceuticals, counterfeit medicines lacking active ingredients can jeopardize health. Similarly, adulterated food products pose serious health risks. These sectors require immediate government intervention and stringent anti-counterfeiting measures.
Technology plays a pivotal role in tackling counterfeiting. It extends beyond digital solutions like QR codes to include advanced security printing, packaging innovations, and artificial intelligence. AI is an emerging tool with vast potential in designing secure products and identifying counterfeit patterns. While AI's full impact is yet to be realized, within the next few years, it will likely become a game-changer in anti-counterfeiting efforts.
There is often concern that implementing authentication solutions will increase product costs. However, I firmly believe that the benefits far outweigh the costs. Investing in authentication protects brands from counterfeiting, enhancing consumer trust and ultimately strengthening their market position. Authentication should be viewed as a strategic investment rather than an expense.
As the head of ASPA, I emphasize that while we are a niche organization, we carry a significant responsibility. My key message to consumers is to stay vigilant. Awareness is the strongest defense against counterfeiting.
Consumers should scrutinize packaging, verify product details, and report any suspicions to the brand. When brands receive feedback about counterfeit products, they are more likely to take corrective action.
Ultimately, an informed and alert consumer base is the most powerful tool in the fight against counterfeiting.
Let the buyer beware!