Lasersec Technologies

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.

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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.