Counterfeiting in Africa: Causes and Solutions

Counterfeit, Pharma, Pharma Industry, Fake, Duplicate, Medicine, Africa, Cause, Drugs, Drug

Counterfeiting has been one of the biggest threats to businesses and can be very costly for businesses selling branded goods—especially in emerging markets such as Africa. If left unchecked, counterfeiters can lead to a decrease in sales and a loss of brand equity.

This blog will cover the factors contributing to counterfeiting in Africa, its impact on businesses, and solutions to this issue.

What Is Causing Counterfeiting in Africa?
The rise in counterfeiting in Africa has been attributed to a variety of factors. Some of these include the low levels of education and technical skill in manufacturing, low labor costs, high unemployment rates, and a lack of robust intellectual property (IP) enforcement.

Fake goods are often priced lower than branded products, giving consumers a reason to choose the counterfeits. This is especially true in emerging markets such as Africa where many people have low incomes.

Uncertainty in the legal framework and limited resources to implement intellectual property laws also contribute to the rise in counterfeiting. Counterfeiters can operate less riskily in markets where they are not strictly punished.

The Problem with Counterfeiting in Africa
One of the biggest issues with counterfeiting in Africa is that fake products are usually of poor quality. They may not work properly or last as long as the real product. This can lead to a customer coming back to the store to request a refund or complain about the poor quality.

Customers may also not trust the brand as much if they purchase a counterfeit product and the store they bought from. This can damage the brand’s reputation and cause long-term damage to sales. In fact, customers may be so turned off by the brand that they won’t purchase it again.

Counterfeiters also do not pay any taxes or contribute to the economy like real businesses do. This means that governments have less money to spend on public services and programs (such as healthcare and education). Counterfeiters also put those who make real products at risk for losing their jobs if counterfeiters out-compete them.

Why is Counterfeiting Bad for Businesses?
Counterfeiting can have a significant impact on a company’s bottom line. In fact, most businesses lose revenue and profit as a result of counterfeit goods. A report estimated that the global counterfeit trade is worth $1.85 trillion annually, which is equivalent to 2.5% of global trade.

Counterfeiters are able to sell their products at a low price, which means they can undercut the original sellers and take away market share. This can lead to a reduction in profits and sales for brands.

Solutions to Help Combat Counterfeiting in Africa
One of the biggest things that brands can do to help combat counterfeiting in Africa by using secure and safe packaging which cannot be replicated by any fake manufacturers.

Our company recently introduced a new product as “BLISTER FOIL with Security Printing” and “VOID & TAMPER PROOF LABELS,” which adds an extra layer of protection to the products and their packaging.

Another is “PHYGITAL“, a lethal combination of PHYsical and diGITAL that fights drug falsification with 100% accuracy using this innovative technology. The physical form is enhanced with the most secure yet tamper-evident labels, as well as a QR code for digital security.

About Lasersec Technologies
One of the leading and most trusted manufacturers and innovators of Anti-Counterfeiting products that provides practical solutions by constantly identifying any requirement from different aspects of the industry.

Lasersec Technologies develop and customize products based on the requirements of a specific industry. Sustained Research and Development by a qualified team of professionals supported by well-equipped facilities, and keeping abreast of the latest technology and pioneering new products and applications.

Related Blogs

How Indian Pharma Exporters Can Prepare for EU’s New Digital Packaging Rules

The European Union’s upcoming Digital Product Passport (DPP) and serialization requirements, effective from 2026, are transforming how pharmaceuticals are packaged and traced across the supply chain. For Indian pharma exporters, this means digital-ready packaging is no longer optional — it’s essential for market access, compliance, and trust.

So, how can packaging evolve fast enough to meet these expectations?
The answer lies in QR codes and tamper-evident labels — two smart technologies that bring traceability, authenticity, and transparency directly onto the pack.

1. The New EU Challenge: Digital Transparency at Every Level

Under the EU Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), every product entering the EU — including pharmaceuticals — must carry a Digital Product Passport (DPP). This digital record links each pack to verified data such as product origin, batch, composition, and regulatory certifications.

However, achieving compliance requires:

Unit-level serialization
Scannable digital identifiers
Tamper-proof packaging integrity

That’s where smart labeling comes into play.

2. QR Codes: Your Gateway to Digital Product Passports

QR codes have evolved far beyond simple barcodes. Modern secure and dynamic QR codes allow real-time verification, linking every individual pack to its digital passport in the cloud.

With secure QR codes, pharma exporters can:

Connect each product to a verified DPP record
Enable instant verification for customs officials, distributors, and patients
Detect counterfeits or unauthorized diversions
Track exports throughout the EU supply chain

When integrated with serialization, these QR codes become digital fingerprints — unique, tamper-evident, and compliant with EU’s interoperability standards.

3. Tamper-Evident Labels: The Physical Layer of Trust

While QR codes protect digital identity, tamper-evident labels safeguard physical authenticity. These labels reveal visible signs — such as “VOID” marks or holographic breaks — if anyone tries to remove or alter them.

Why they’re essential for compliance:

They ensure product integrity during transit
Serve as proof of non-interference and genuine origin
Complement serialization and DPP data by confirming physical security

Together, tamper-evident and QR-enabled labels bridge the physical and digital worlds, creating a robust defense against counterfeiting and regulatory breaches.

4. How These Technologies Work Together

When integrated, QR codes and tamper-evident labels deliver a two-tier protection model:

Layer	Function	Benefit
Digital Layer (QR Code)	Links each pack to live data and DPP	Enables authentication and traceability
Physical Layer (Tamper-Evident Label)	Shows visible signs of tampering	Ensures product safety and compliance integrity

This hybrid approach enables exporters to prove compliance instantly — both digitally and physically — meeting EU’s dual requirement of traceability and security.

5. Implementation Blueprint for Exporters

To align with the EU’s 2026 standards, Indian exporters should begin adopting these steps today:

Adopt Dynamic QR Codes:
Implement secure, serialized QR codes linked to live cloud databases or blockchain.
Upgrade Labeling Infrastructure:
Ensure your packaging lines support tamper-evident label application and QR code printing at the unit level.
Integrate with Track & Trace Systems:
Synchronize label data with your ERP or MES to enable full supply chain visibility.
Partner with Trusted Solution Providers:
Choose technology partners experienced in anti-counterfeit, serialization, and pharma-grade packaging.

6. Beyond Compliance: Building Trust and Value

Compliance may be the starting point, but smart labeling delivers much more:

Builds trust with regulators, distributors, and patients
Enhances brand reputation through transparency
Reduces counterfeit and recall risks
Positions your company as a future-ready exporter

By embracing smart packaging now, Indian pharma manufacturers can turn regulatory pressure into a competitive advantage.

Secure, Smart, and Ready for 2026

The EU’s digital packaging regulations are reshaping global pharma trade — and Indian exporters who act early will lead the way. By combining secure QR codes and tamper-evident labels, you can ensure every shipment is authentic, traceable, and regulation-ready.

At Lasersec Technologies, we specialize in pharma-grade anti-counterfeit solutions — from dynamic QR codes to tamper-evident holographic labels and complete Track & Trace integration. Let’s help you make your exports compliant, secure, and globally trusted.

Future-proof your packaging — one secure label at a time.

Customizing Anti-Counterfeit Solutions for High-Risk Markets

You’ve secured your product.
You’ve set up authentication.
But somehow, fakes are still slipping through—especially in markets like India, Africa, and Latin America.

Why?

Because one-size-fits-all protection doesn’t work in a world where every region plays by different rules.

In high-risk markets, the threats aren’t just common—they’re constantly evolving. For global brands, the key isn’t just stronger protection. It’s smarter, localized protection that meets people where they are.

Your brand may be global, but the challenges you face aren’t:

India – Counterfeit medicines often enter through informal supply chains in semi-urban and rural regions.
Africa – Fake electronics and unauthorized imports disrupt trusted retail networks, often due to weak enforcement.
LATAM – Counterfeit FMCG products share shelf space with genuine ones, confusing customers and weakening trust.

Each region needs more than just a label or code—it needs context-aware solutions that align with how local consumers buy, verify, and trust.

You care about your product. Your customers should feel that—whether they’re in a remote village or a bustling market.

A generic solution may look good on paper, but in practice, it often fails:
1. Assumes strict enforcement exists everywhere (it doesn’t)
2. Relies on stable internet (not always available)
3. Expects every consumer to understand how to verify (many don’t)

If your strategy doesn’t meet local realities, it can’t truly protect your product—or your promise.

Real Protection, Tailored for India, Africa and Latin America

In India’s semi-urban and rural areas, simplicity is key.

A breakable seal, paired with a GS1-compliant scannable QR or SMS code, allows patients to verify authenticity in seconds—even without an app.
Pharmacies use a lightweight Track & Trace dashboard to log stock movement and report suspicious entries instantly.
Multilingual alerts ensure the system works for non-English speakers.

Africa’s mobile-first environment presents unique opportunities:

Brands use scratch-off serial codes verified through WhatsApp—no separate app or internet login required.
Distributors are equipped with basic handheld scanners or mobile verification tools to validate products at every checkpoint.
Real-time alerts flag suspicious batches, enabling fast containment.

In Latin America’s open markets, brand trust is everything:

Products carry tamper-evident labels embedded with dynamic QR codes that offer rewards or authenticity tips upon scanning.
Customers can instantly check if a product is genuine while engaging with the brand.
Campaigns create awareness, making verification part of the everyday purchase habit.

What Should You Be Asking?

What’s really happening in each of your key markets?
Are you protecting your riskiest product lines first?
Can your end customer easily verify your product?
Do your tools adapt to local behaviors and tech access?

If you’re unsure—it’s time to rethink the approach.

The Difference It Makes

Fakes drop where protection fits the environment
Consumers feel seen and empowered
Local teams feel equipped, not overwhelmed
Your brand stays respected and trusted, even in tough markets

This isn’t about spending more—it’s about spending smarter.

When your anti-counterfeit strategy aligns with real market conditions, you do more than block counterfeiters—you build long-term trust.

Because in the end, effective protection isn’t just a technical system.
It’s a message: We understand your market. We respect your safety.

At Lasersec Technologies, we design region-specific anti-counterfeit solutions that blend holographic security, track & trace, and phygital engagement tools. From SMS-based verification to WhatsApp-integrated checks, we help global brands stay a step ahead—with no guesswork.

Recent Blogs

Export-Ready Pharma Packaging- What Global Buyers Are Now Expecting

You’ve secured the order, production is complete, and your shipment is ready to move. But then, just before dispatch, your buyer asks:

“Does your packaging meet serialization and scan-based proof requirements?”

Imagine losing a million-dollar contract — not because of your medicine, but because your packaging failed to inspire trust. This is the reality many exporters face today. For global buyers, packaging has become the deciding factor between smooth delivery and a deal falling apart.

Why Packaging Standards Are Now Non-Negotiable

Global buyers are under pressure from regulators, distributors, and patients. They must ensure every product they source is traceable, authentic, and tamper-proof. That means export-ready packaging is no longer optional — it’s the foundation of international trade.

Key compliance must-haves include:

Track & Trace Systems – complete product visibility across the supply chain
Serialization – unique identifiers that meet global compliance norms
Tamper-Evident Features – seals or packaging that immediately reveal interference
Scan-Based Proof – QR codes or secure markings enabling instant authentication

Without these, buyers see risk — and in today’s market, risk means rejection. It’s not just about checking compliance boxes. Buyers want reassurance that:

Their shipments won’t face customs delays due to packaging gaps
They won’t be caught in regulatory disputes in importing countries
They can confidently show stakeholders a secure supply chain

For exporters, this transforms packaging into a proof of credibility. It’s no longer just a container — it’s part of your business reputation.

Regional Buyer Expectations: One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Every region enforces its own regulations. Understanding them isn’t just smart — it’s survival.

Region	Key Packaging Expectations	What It Means for Exporters
European Union (EU)	Strict serialization under the FMD (Falsified Medicines Directive) with database-driven verification.	Packs must be registered and verifiable via EU hub. Non-compliant shipments are rejected at borders.
United States	DSCSA (Drug Supply Chain Security Act) requires interoperability and traceability beyond serialization.	Exporters must ensure their systems “talk” with US buyers’ systems for seamless data exchange.
Middle East & Africa	High counterfeit risks demand visible tamper-evidence + secure scan codes.	Buyers expect seals and markings they can verify instantly at distributor level.

According to the WHO, 1 in 10 medical products in low- and middle-income countries is substandard or falsified — highlighting why MEA and APAC buyers demand extra layers of security.

Before shipping, ask yourself:

Does every pack carry a unique, scannable serialization code?
Is there a tamper-evident seal that cannot be replaced unnoticed?
Can my systems generate and share serialization data with buyers?
Do I have scan-based proof of authenticity ready for customs or audits?

If the answer is “no” to any of these, your packaging isn’t truly export-ready.

Indian pharma is globally respected for high-quality medicines. But as regulations tighten, packaging standards are becoming the new benchmark for trust.

Those who adapt quickly — with serialization, secure QR codes, and tamper-evident solutions — will stand out as reliable partners. On the other hand, exporters who delay risk losing contracts, not because of product quality, but because their packaging didn’t pass the credibility test.

Global buyers are no longer asking if your packaging is compliant — they’re asking how quickly you can prove it.

Export-ready packaging is now a business advantage, not just a compliance step. For exporters preparing to expand globally, investing in the right packaging solutions is no longer optional.

Because in today’s market, packaging isn’t just protecting your product — it’s protecting your growth.

At Lasersec Technologies, we partner with pharma exporters to ensure their packaging meets global serialization, traceability, and anti-counterfeit standards — helping you ship with confidence and win global trust.

Export-Ready Pharma Packaging: What Global Buyers Are Now Expecting

By Manish Garg

Holographic Blister Packaging for CDSCO Compliance

India’s pharmaceutical landscape is undergoing a transformation — and packaging is at the center of it.
With the CDSCO’s new QR code and serialization mandates, every exported pharma product must now be secure, traceable, and tamper-evident.

For manufacturers, especially SMEs, this can feel like a complex compliance challenge.
But there’s a powerful, proven solution already within reach: Holographic Blister Packaging.

1. The New CDSCO Reality

To curb counterfeit drugs and ensure authenticity across the supply chain, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) now requires export-bound pharmaceutical products to carry:

Secure and scannable QR codes
Unique serialization at batch or unit level
Tamper-evident features on primary packaging

This means your packaging must do more than look professional — it must communicate trust, security, and transparency to regulators, distributors, and patients worldwide.

2. Why Holographic Blister Packaging Foils Are the Ideal Fit

Holographic blister foils are designed not just for visual appeal, but for multi-layered protection.
They merge optical security, digital traceability, and physical tamper resistance — all in one compact, cost-effective solution.

Key advantages include:

Built-in Anti-Counterfeit Security:
Complex holographic patterns, diffractive designs, and hidden laser effects make duplication nearly impossible.
Tamper-Evident Layering:
Any attempt to peel or alter the foil leaves visible damage — ensuring that the product cannot be resealed or reused undetected.
QR & Serialization Integration:
Holographic foils can seamlessly integrate dynamic QR codes and serialized data, allowing regulators and end-users to instantly verify product authenticity.
Regulatory Compliance:
They fulfill the CDSCO’s core requirements — secure labeling, traceability, and anti-tampering — without requiring major production line changes.
Supply Chain Visibility:
When linked to digital Track & Trace systems, each blister pack becomes part of a transparent, verifiable export network.

3. How It Works

Each holographic blister foil is embedded with security layers visible and invisible to the naked eye.

When printed with unique serial numbers or QR codes, it creates a dual-authentication system:

Layer	Function	Benefit
Optical Security (Holography)	Visually identifiable design that’s impossible to replicate	Instant brand and regulatory authentication
Digital Security (QR + Serialization)	Unique, scannable identity for every pack	Enables verification and traceability
Tamper Evidence	Irreversible visual damage on interference	Prevents resealing or counterfeit replacement

This layered approach makes it extremely difficult for counterfeiters to reproduce or reuse packaging — offering compliance with confidence.

4. Why SMEs Should Choose Holographic Blister Packaging

Unlike large-scale digital upgrades, holographic blister foils are scalable, adaptable, and cost-efficient.
For SMEs, this means:

No heavy capital investment in new lines
Immediate enhancement of regulatory readiness
Compatibility with existing packaging formats
Added brand value in export markets

It’s a simple way to make your products CDSCO-compliant and globally credible — without the complexity of building new infrastructure.

5. Beyond Compliance: Building Trust Across Borders

The global pharma supply chain thrives on transparency.
By adopting holographic blister foils, Indian exporters not only meet CDSCO and international labeling mandates but also strengthen brand trust with distributors and healthcare professionals abroad.

Regulators see transparency.
Distributors see authenticity.
Patients see safety.

And your brand earns long-term credibility in every market it reaches.

Secure, Scalable, and Future-Ready

The CDSCO’s labeling mandates are here to stay — but compliance doesn’t have to be complicated.

Holographic blister foils bring together the best of physical and digital protection, offering a ready-to-implement, regulation-compliant, and cost-effective solution for Indian pharma exporters.

At Lasersec Technologies, we specialize in custom-designed holographic blister foils that combine optical security, dynamic QR codes, and tamper-evident protection.
Our solutions are trusted by leading pharmaceutical manufacturers to safeguard brands, meet regulatory standards, and ensure patient safety.

Let’s help you make compliance your competitive edge — one blister pack at a time.

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