Counterfeiting and smuggling of products are challenges faced all over the world. The recommendations of apex organisations such as the World Health Organisation and the European Union are that countries should consider reviewing their policies to combat this menace.

With attempts being made to bring every distribution and logistics-related activity under the umbrella of real-time database to tackle counterfeiting, it has become imperative to digitize documents. To comply, it is essential to establish a new generation system to track the supply chain of the products.

System components include:

• Excise stamp with enhanced security features – holographic security element with secure spectral component
• Hand-held control device – electronic device to validate the hologram spectral component
• Integrated management information system – comprehensive system for product control throughout the supply chain
• Stamps and stickers with tracing facility