Serialization as an effective means against product counterfeiting

[Translate to Englisch:] Serializzazione - Marcatura e sigillo anti-manomissione — Folding box with serial number and other markings

During serialization, each product within a production line is given a unique, mostly random and encrypted number that is stored in a database and assigned to the relevant data. The individual product can later be safely traced back to the manufacturer by comparing the unique number with the database. Thus, an authenticity check is also possible.

This procedure primarily contributes to making products such as medicines, cosmetics, food and electronic components. Product piracy not only damages the industry by several billions a year, but can also be very dangerous for consumers. With the help of the serialization data, originals can be identified without a doubt and product counterfeits can be unmasked.

Integrating the serialization process into your own production requires the right labeling solutions. Weber Marking Systems offers networkable solutions that not only meet all (possibly legal) requirements, but can also keep up with your production speed - without you having to retool the entire line or change the packaging. We would be happy to advise you comprehensively in a personal conversation!

Pharma serialization: track and trace of pharmaceuticals

[Translate to Englisch:] Confezione farmaceutica con data matrix e dati di serializzazione — Drug packaging with data matrix and serialization data

In the pharmaceutical industry, the serialization of packaging for prescription drugs within the European Union is mandatory as of February 2019 according to Directive 2011/62/EU. The pharmaceutical packaging must bear an individual identifier in the form of a machine-readable data matrix code. This must have a defined minimum print quality and also be shown in plain text. Attention: other target regions such as China and the USA have their own country regulations that must be observed.

Overall, the marking should contain the product code, the batch designation and the expiry date in addition to an individual serial number. This information is then sent to a national database system and then passed on to the European database. The German database system is managed by the securPharm e. V..

The pharmacy staff can then check each pack for authenticity by scanning the printed data matrix code with a barcode reader. It is compared online with the database. If the reported status is correct, the product can be sold.

So that pharmacists, patients and medical staff can clearly see whether the packaging is unopened, it must also be protected against tampering (e.g. by using seal labels).

Choosing the right labeling solution

Whether folding boxes, plastic sleeves or small glass bottles: various technologies can be used to print packaging directly. Both inkjet printers and laser markers can encode long-lasting data and machine-readable codes precisely to a wide variety of surfaces. Labeling with adhesive labels is also possible if direct printing is not an option.

Which system is best suited for your application depends on several criteria, including:

The properties of the packaging material.
The abrasion resistance of the coding.
The sufficient contrast between marking and packaging surface.
The production speed on the line.
The distance of the printing unit to the carrier material.
The uniformity of the pack guidance on the conveyor belt.
The required IP protection class for regular wet cleaning in production.

We would be happy to advise you on the selection of the appropriate labeling solution. Just contact us!

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Serialization as an effective means against product counterfeiting

Pharma serialization: track and trace of pharmaceuticals

Choosing the right labeling solution

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