Why Do Brands Use Security Labels?

Counterfeiting is not only a problem for high-end brands. Any product with a recognizable logo can become a target for counterfeiters. The list ranges from cosmetics and electronics to wine, dietary supplements, and even regulated medical devices.

It is used by brands to

• Reduce counterfeits: the more complex protection technology is, the more complicated it is for forgers to replicate
• Control the supply chain: serialized security tags allow you to track the location of a product and detect counterfeits with confidence
• Protect warranty claims: to prevent fraud, the tracking code must be validated during the claim process
• Reassure customers: many buyers are wary of fakes and welcome any sign that the company cares about protecting them from fraud
• Prevent unauthorized reuse of packaging: special seals can prevent tampering and indicate whether the package has been opened.

Overt features for visual checks at a glance

Some features are clearly visible, such as hologram security stickers. These provide a deterrent to forgers and offer simple verification by distributors, retail staff and customers. Good for high value or regulated products where visual assurance is key.

Serialisation or digital verification

Serial numbers or QR codes add a level of complexity, allowing individual labels to be verified against a database and proving the authenticity of that particular item. Combined with overt print security features it creates a strong verification ecosystem. If you’re dealing with excise or
tax stamping, digital tax stamps and serialisation can work alongside your print security features.

Where Are Anti-Counterfeit Stickers Used?

You will find them in a number of different industries. Some typical applications are described below:

• Security seals for cartons, bottles, and outer packaging
• Authentication labels for branded or high-value products
• Warranty and distribution control
• Packaging of regulated products where the label has more than an informational purpose

What Should You Prepare Before Requesting a Quote?

A clear brief saves time and guesswork for everyone. Before contacting a supplier, it’s useful to have an idea of

The basics

• The label size and quantity, along with the intended market and delivery address.
• Is artwork provided or do you require any approvals?

The technical details

• What surface are the labels going on to? Is it paperboard, plastic, glass, foil, curved or another surface?
• Are there any durability requirements or storage conditions?
• Do you have a preferred finish, and do you need to match existing components?

The security requirements

• Do you need overt, covert or both security features?
• Do you require tamper evident/destructible, holographic, multi-secure or other features?
• Are there any requirements for numbering, QR logic, hidden print or audit trail control?

If you don’t have answers to the above that’s fine, just share what you do know and a good supplier will guide you towards suitable options.

常见问题

是什么让贴纸具有防伪功能？

The critical attributes for anti-counterfeit stickers are those that relate to increased complexity of forging, inspection friendliness, and presence of multiple verification levels (such as tamper evident features, visible print elements, hidden security components, variable data or serialisation)

Are anti-counterfeit stickers worth it for small brands?

For smaller organisations, it is often a question of getting ahead of the curve and getting
protection before grey markets, knockoffs, and returns due to counterfeiting become too
expensive to manage.

Should the security feature be obvious or hidden?

Both approaches have their advantages, with the former building consumer confidence and the latter providing added protection through obscurity. In practice, the most common choice is to have a combination of visible and hidden security elements.

防伪标签能否与数字验证配合使用？

Yes, serialised QR codes and numbering can be part of the sticker, along with other print security elements, offering a multi-layer verification capability.

Can anti-counterfeit labels be applied to different packaging materials?

In most cases, yes. However, the construction of the label (material) will depend on the surface that it will be applied to. Paperboard, plastic, glass, metal, or foil, as well as the shape (curved surface or flat), will impact the choice of adhesive and construction. Provide the necessary details and we will advise you accordingly.

Why source anti-counterfeit stickers in China?

Simplified, it is the availability of resources. China has the infrastructure and expertise to deliver on any label and security print project. All that is needed is to define the requirements clearly and double-check the sample.

What should I send to get an accurate quote?

Label dimensions, quantity, target market, the surface that will receive the sticker, desired level of security, whether artwork is ready or not, and delivery destination are required to calculate the cost and provide an accurate quote. In case some of these details are not available, we can still share general pricing guidance.