Serialisation as an effective means of combating counterfeit products

During serialisation, each product within a production series is given a unique, usually random and encrypted number, which is stored in a database and assigned to the corresponding data. The individual product can later be securely traced back to the manufacturer by comparing the unique number with the database. This also makes it possible to verify authenticity.

This procedure primarily helps to make products such as medicines, cosmetics, food and components counterfeit-proof. Product piracy not only damages the industry by billions every year, but can also be very dangerous for consumers. With the help of serialisation data, originals can be identified beyond doubt and counterfeit products can be reliably unmasked.

Integrating the serialisation process into your own production requires the right marking systems. Weber Marking Systems offers networkable solutions that not only fulfil all (possibly legal) requirements, but can also keep pace with your production speed - without you having to retool the entire line or change the packaging. We would be happy to provide you with comprehensive advice in a personal consultation!

According to Directive 2011/62/EU, the serialisation of prescription medicine packaging will be mandatory in the pharmaceutical industry within the European Union from February 2019. The pharmaceutical packaging must then bear a unique identifier in the form of a machine-readable data matrix code. This must have a defined minimum print quality and also be printed in plain text. Please note: Other target regions such as China and the USA have their own country regulations that must be observed.

In addition to an individual serial number, the coding should also contain the product code, the batch designation and the expiry date. This information is then transmitted to a national database system and then forwarded to the European database. The German database system is managed by the securPharm e. V. initiative.

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

To ensure that pharmacists, patients and medical staff can clearly recognise whether the packaging is unopened, it must also be equipped with tamper protection such as sealing labels as a security feature.