The trade body representing the global hologram industry has welcomed an initiative tackling the growing problem of counterfeit electrical products.
The International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA) is helping raise awareness of counterfeit electrical products through its endorsement of the U.S. Electrical Safety Foundation International’s (ESFI) ‘Zero Tolerance for Counterfeits’ campaign.
The IHMA says the campaign boosts awareness of a huge issue in North America and beyond and is urging similar initiatives by electrical product trade associations in other international territories.
The backing provides a timely opportunity for organisations to review brand protection and authentication plans says the IHMA and, if necessary, redouble efforts to stem ‘the massive problem’ of counterfeit electrical and electronic goods which left undetected, can cause deaths, injuries and substantial property loss in homes and the workplace.
The IHMA’s general secretary Ian Lancaster said it’s difficult to gauge the full cost of counterfeiting because the problem also causes untold damage to corporate reputations and market share. He added: “We are delighted to help champion this important effort at a time when brands, and profits, are under attack from the activities of international criminals and clever counterfeiters.
“Product brand owners and those responsible for legislation need to do more - and quickly - to deal with the problem and this might include increased integration of holograms as part of brand protection strategies.
“Holography continues to play a key role as a highly effective, extremely flexible weapon in the ongoing battle to thwart counterfeiters and fraudsters. All involved in the supply chain will be reassured by the presence of holograms on products and recognise the benefits they provide.
“We are looking forward to doing our part to confront this global problem, offering our expertise and advice on hologram solutions and how to develop strategies to secure the supply chain.”
The use of well-designed and properly deployed authentication solutions, as advocated by the ISO 12931 standard on authentication solutions, enables examiners to verify the authenticity of a legitimate product, differentiating it from the counterfeits coming in the U.S and other territories. Even those that carry a ‘fake’ authentication feature can be distinguished from the genuine item if that item carries a carefully thought-out authentication solution.
The International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA) is made up of more than 90 of the world's leading hologram companies. IHMA members are the leading producers and converters of holograms for banknote security, anti-counterfeiting, brand protection, packaging, graphics and other commercial applications around the world. IHMA member companies actively cooperate to maintain the highest professional, security and quality standards.
