China's counterfeit goods problem tackled with holograms

The trade body for hologram manufacturers is urging companies to review and redouble security plans to stem the wave of counterfeit goods coming out of China.
 
The International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA) has commented on a new US Chamber of Commerce report which indicates four fifths (86%) of all counterfeit goods now come from China.
 
Customs authorities are reportedly only seizing 2.5 per cent of the value of total estimated counterfeits.
 
Global impact studies by the International Chamber of Commerce indicate that the upper bound of the global value of counterfeit and pirated could be $1.77 trillion, with international trade accounts for more than half of counterfeiting and global brand piracy worth as much as $960 billion.
 
IHMA general secretary Mark Deakes said increased integration of holograms as part of brand protection strategies might be called for.
 
“Increasing adoption of holography in places like India and east Europe reinforces the hologram’s position as a pre-eminent security feature in the global anti-counterfeiting fight,” he said.
 
“Security holograms on items like liquor bottles will ensure quality and check smuggled and illicit liquor while bottles not displaying security holograms will be seized and destroyed.
 
“Holography has a key role as an effective, highly flexible weapon in the ongoing battle to thwart counterfeiters and fraudsters.”