Government-Mandated Barcode and QR Code Labels as a Solution against Counterfeit Drugs

Counterfeit drugs pose a significant threat to public health and safety, requiring innovative and effective solutions to combat this global problem.

In November, the Department of Pharmaceuticals took a crucial step towards addressing this issue by publishing a gazette notice. According to this notice, starting on August 1, 2023, the 300 most popular formulation brands will be required to incorporate a barcode or quick response (QR) code on their labels.

This action, which has the cooperation of the pharmaceutical sector, aims to increase efforts in identifying and stopping the distribution of fake or counterfeit medications.

As a world-leading anti-counterfeit solutions manufacturer, we understand the urgency of addressing this issue. In this blog, we will explore the scope of the counterfeit drug problem and delve into the rise of government-mandated barcode and QR code labels as a game-changing solution.

Understanding the Scope of the Counterfeit Drug Problem:

Counterfeit drugs infiltrate the market, endangering lives and undermining public trust in the pharmaceutical industry. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 10% of medicines worldwide are counterfeit, costing the industry billions of dollars annually. These fake drugs not only fail to deliver proper treatment but can also contain harmful substances, exacerbating patients’ conditions and leading to severe consequences.

The Rise of Government-Mandated Barcode and QR Code Labels:

Governments worldwide have recognized the need for robust anti-counterfeit measures. They have mandated the use of barcode and QR code labels on pharmaceutical products as a means of ensuring traceability and authentication. These labels contain unique identifiers that can be scanned and verified at various stages of the supply chain, from manufacturing to distribution and retail.

Enhanced Traceability and Authentication:

Barcode and QR code labels provide an efficient way to track and trace products, enabling stakeholders to monitor their journey from production to the end consumer. This heightened visibility helps identify and eliminate counterfeit drugs from the market promptly. Additionally, through advanced authentication technologies, such as holograms and tamper-evident features, these labels offer an additional layer of security against counterfeiters.

Consumer Empowerment and Safety:

Barcode and QR code labels empower consumers by allowing them to verify the authenticity of pharmaceutical products before purchase. By scanning the labels with their smartphones, consumers can access detailed product information, including manufacturing date, batch number, and expiration date. This transparency boosts consumer confidence, ensuring that they receive genuine, safe medications.

Streamlining Regulatory Compliance:

The implementation of barcode and QR code labels streamlines regulatory compliance for pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors. These labels enable accurate product identification, easy recall management, and compliance with serialization requirements. By automating these processes, companies can reduce errors, save costs, and efficiently meet regulatory obligations.

Future Innovations and Technological Advancements:

As the battle against counterfeit drugs intensifies, future innovations and technological advancements will further enhance anti-counterfeit solutions. Emerging technologies have the potential to revolutionize the authentication process to combat counterfeit activities more effectively.

Lasersec Technologies expertise and focus on developing innovative & world-class barcode or QR code labels and allied holographic effect. We customize holographic image with self-adhesive printed labels with other features for security & traceability. Holographic splendor is integrated with a barcode, the sequential number, printed by invisible ink, thermochromic ink etc. to make it attractive and highly secure.

These labels can be used for the packaging of products for imparting vital information like the brand owner, manufacturing details, barcodes and serial nos etc. In addition to this, with these labels you can track the goods, also helps to keep a check on the quality of the product.

We use complex holographic techniques and premium quality raw material. Because of the complexity involved during the manufacturing process, these labels cannot be duplicated. After being manufactured, a team of experienced professionals tests the entire range on various defined parameters. We offer Plain Barcode Labels, Pre-Printed Barcode Labels & also Product Barcode Labels, in different colors and designs as per the specific preferences.

Government-mandated barcode and QR code labels have emerged as a powerful weapon in the fight against counterfeit drugs.

If you’re a manufacturer or business and looking for smart packaging for your products, look no further than us. We have the knowledge, experience, and expertise to help you to find the best solution that works for your business.

Reach out to us to discuss and our team will provide you with tailored solutions and support to make the process as smooth as possible. We also One Stop Solution to fight against counterfeit and create a more secure environment for your business. With less counterfeiting, you can maintain sales and increase customer trust.

Shield your business with our advanced technology solutions

About Lasersec Technologies

We are one of the leading holographic solutions manufacturing company, that are used as an anti-counterfeiting device. Our R&D team from the production area is constantly dedicated to finding innovative solutions against counterfeits. Thus, we proudly emphasize on the fact that all our solutions are original ones without any interference from any other outside companies. We have successful business alliances located in Bangladesh, South Africa, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, United Kingdom, and countries of Europe.

You can reach us via email at mktg@lasersec.in or by phone at +91-9810213127.

Related Blogs

How Tamper Evident Packaging and Track & Trace Strengthen Anti-Counterfeiting Measures

You trust the seal. So does your customer.
But what if both can be faked?

In today’s hyper-competitive and counterfeit-prone market, trust is no longer a given—it must be earned, secured, and verifiable. One compromised product doesn’t just mean financial loss. It means broken trust, customer complaints, and reputational damage.

For quality assurance teams, brand managers, and packaging heads, the challenge is clear: protecting your product is protecting your brand.

The Dual-Layer Security Model

Forward-thinking brands are now adopting a two-pronged security approach: Tamper-Evident Packaging + Track & Trace Technology
One is a physical deterrent. The other is a digital watchdog. Together, they form a resilient shield against fraud.

1. What These Tools Actually Do

Tamper-Evident Packaging

These packaging elements display clear signs of interference.
Think broken seals, VOID labels, or peeled films—immediate red flags for both consumers and supply chain teams.

2. Track & Trace Systems

Every unit is assigned a unique serialized identity, often through GS1 barcodes or QR codes.
Each scan updates the unit’s journey from production to retail, enabling full traceability and real-time monitoring through secure platforms.

Bonus: Advanced T&T systems now integrate with cloud-based dashboards, AI-based alerts, and mobile authentication tools.

Relying on only one method is like locking your front door but leaving the windows wide open.

Tamper seals can be replicated.
Digital codes can be copied.

But when combined:
Physical evidence + Digital validation = A failsafe authentication system that’s far harder to breach.

Real Time Impacts

Pharmaceuticals: A sealed pack and a scannable QR code validate medication at the pharmacy. Brands using serialization aligned with DSCSA/EU FMD have reduced counterfeit reports and met compliance faster.
Electronics: With encrypted QR codes and tamper seals, brands can detect unauthorized resellers and trace diversion to the source. Less warranty fraud and tighter market control.
FMCG & Personal Care: A beauty brand added tamper-evident seals and scannable codes after fake products emerged online. 38% drop in complaints, increased repurchase rates, and renewed customer trust.

Why This Approach Works

Visible Proof:
Customers know if the product has been tampered with.
Digital Traceability:
Brands know exactly where and when a breach occurred.
Rapid Response:
Identify and contain supply chain risks in real time.
Compliance-Ready:
Stay ahead of evolving global regulations.
Brand Loyalty:
Build trust through transparency, safety, and action.

You don’t need a massive overhaul.

Start small like:

Apply tamper-evident holographic labels to premium or high-risk SKUs.
Add QR codes connected to a secure backend system.
Educate your distributors and customers on scanning and verification.

Then, scale as your confidence and ROI grow.

Your Packaging Is More Than a Box

It’s your handshake, your promise, your presence in places you can’t be.

With tamper-evident packaging and track & trace working in tandem, your packaging becomes a:

Silent Guardian
Smart Communicator
Powerful Brand Asset

Let’s Build Smarter, Safer Packaging – Together

At Lasersec Technologies, we specialize in merging physical security with digital intelligence. Our solutions are tailored for pharma, electronics, FMCG, automotive, and consumer brands looking to stay ahead of counterfeiting risks.

The Shift from Traditional Labels to Interactive Packaging: What Brands Need to Know

Ever held a medicine pack and wondered—is this real? Is it safe?

Your customers, pharmacists, and regulators are asking the same questions every day. And the answers often begin not with a product demo or a marketing campaign—but with what’s printed, sealed, or embedded on your packaging.

We’re entering a new era—where the label isn’t just a sticker. It’s a source of truth.

The shift from traditional labels to interactive packaging is redefining how pharmaceutical brands build credibility, deliver transparency, and protect their reputation.

Why Traditional Labels Aren’t Enough Anymore

For decades, a logo, a batch number, or a hologram gave a basic sense of authenticity. But today’s pharmaceutical buyers, regulators, and patients are more informed and more skeptical. They want proof, not promises—and they want it instantly.

Consumers, pharmacists, and regulators now ask:

Where was this product made?
Is it safe to use?
Has it been tampered with or copied?
Can I trace it to the source?

A static label can’t answer these. And in an age where counterfeiting, unauthorized distribution, and regulatory audits are rising—relying only on traditional packaging methods puts patients, companies, and supply chains at risk.

What Is Interactive Packaging?

Interactive packaging blends physical labels with digital intelligence. It enables a smartphone scan—via QR code, NFC chip, dynamic watermark, or serialized code—to unlock detailed product data, authentication, and personalized content.

It offers visibility beyond the box.

Through secure and unique digital triggers (often integrated with traceability platforms), brands can:

Verify authenticity instantly
Show manufacturing details, batch numbers, expiry dates, and certifications
Share dosage guides, patient education, and usage instructions
Deliver loyalty programs or pharmacist rewards
Start direct engagement with patients or healthcare providers

Unlike generic codes, modern systems use dynamic serialization or cloud-linked markers that are nearly impossible to duplicate—raising the bar for counterfeiters and aligning with regulations like DSCSA, EU FMD, and TGA guidelines.

Why More Brands Are Making the Switch

The shift to interactive packaging isn’t just a technology upgrade—it’s a strategic response to life-critical risks, regulatory demands, and patient safety.

Authentication:
Allows pharmacists and patients to verify medicines instantly.
Recall readiness:
Offers real-time traceability and rapid product recalls if needed.
Transparency:
Provides batch-level tracking and supply chain visibility.
Engagement:
Enables direct patient education, feedback, and loyalty programs.

It transforms packaging from a passive layer into a smart, compliant, and protective communication tool.

The Trend Backed by Numbers

According to Research and Markets, the global smart packaging market is expected to reach USD 43.6 billion by 2030, driven by the need for secure product authentication and patient trust.

A recent study shows that 81% of consumers are more likely to trust brands that offer transparency through scannable packaging.

In the pharmaceutical industry, this trust isn’t just a competitive advantage—it’s a regulatory and ethical responsibility.

From Confusion to Confidence

A leading pharmaceutical company faced a surge in counterfeit antibiotics in regional markets. Patients and pharmacists began raising safety concerns, and regulatory bodies flagged potential supply chain gaps.

The solution?

The company implemented secure, serialized QR codes on every blister pack and bottle. Each scan by a pharmacist or consumer provided instant product verification, manufacturing details, and patient instructions.

The impact:

Sharp decline in counterfeit complaints
Increased confidence among distributors and pharmacies
Stronger regulatory compliance and brand trust

Thinking About the Shift?

You don’t need to overhaul your entire product portfolio at once. Begin small, scale smart.

Choose a product line – Start with high-risk or export-oriented SKUs.
Define your purpose – Focus on authentication, traceability, or patient engagement.
Select the right technology – Use encrypted, copy-proof serialization.
Design it well – Make it seamless within your existing packaging.
Track engagement – Monitor scans, locations, and recall readiness.

Interactive packaging platforms can integrate with your ERP, WMS, and pharma track & trace systems to provide unit-level traceability—from production to the patient’s hand.

The Label Is No Longer Just a Label

In the pharmaceutical industry, packaging isn’t just protection—it’s proof.

Interactive packaging helps pharma brands move from saying “Trust us” to confidently showing why they’re trustworthy—meeting regulatory demands, protecting patients, and building real-world credibility.

Every scan is more than just a check—it’s a chance to:

Win patient trust
Engage directly with consumers and healthcare providers
Protect your products and comply with regulations

When trust, safety, and compliance are at stake, make your packaging your strongest proof point. At Lasersec Technologies, we help pharmaceutical companies bridge this gap—from static to smart, from uncertain to verified.

We design secure, compliant packaging solutions that protect your medicines, engage your supply chain, and elevate your brand.

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.

Holographic Blister Packs: The Smart Way to Meet CDSCO Labeling Mandates

By Manish Garg

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.

Smart Label Technology: A Compliance Solution for EU Digital Packaging

By Vikas Bhatnagar

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