The 6th edition of the Traceability and Authentication Forum (TAF 2025) reinforced the urgent need for stricter anti-counterfeiting laws and advanced traceability measures to protect India’s industries. Organized by the Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA), the two-day event emphasized the critical role of robust policies and cutting-edge authentication technologies in securing the integrity of domestic and international markets.
Industry experts at the forum underscored the growing threat of counterfeit products, fraudulent certifications, and mislabeled goods, which not only compromise consumer safety but also erode trust and economic stability. The discussions highlighted the necessity of adopting blockchain-enabled traceability solutions and AI-driven authentication systems to monitor supply chains and detect fraud in real-time. Stakeholders also emphasized the importance of integrating physical overt packaging solutions, ensuring product authenticity remains accessible to consumers across all regions, including rural areas.
Government and Industry Collaboration
Speaking at the forum, Shri Abhishek Dev, IAS & Chairman of the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling counterfeiting.
“Counterfeiting is a pervasive issue affecting various sectors, from pharmaceuticals to FMCG and agrochemicals. It threatens consumer safety and diminishes India’s trade credibility. The ASPA-CRISIL report from 2022 provided crucial insights into the impact of counterfeiting across industries. Such data-driven studies are vital in shaping effective policies. APEDA is committed to enhancing traceability systems, particularly in organic product certification under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), by integrating authentication technologies like holograms and QR codes. This aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of ensuring India’s global reputation for quality and trustworthiness.”
ASPA President Mr. Manoj Kochar stressed the need for industry-wide collaboration, stating, “TAF 2025 has brought together policymakers and business leaders to drive impactful solutions. With APEDA’s support, we aim to enhance traceability frameworks and reinforce India’s position as a trusted global exporter. Additionally, we will soon launch the ‘State of Counterfeiting in India 2025’ report to further advocate for research-driven policy reforms.”
Key Takeaways and Policy Recommendations
TAF 2025 discussions centered on the immediate need for:
- Stronger regulations: Establishing dedicated task forces and enforcing stricter penalties for counterfeit trade.
- Advanced authentication technologies: Encouraging businesses to adopt AI, blockchain, and smart packaging solutions.
- Global collaboration: Strengthening international efforts to combat counterfeiting and secure global supply chains.
- Consumer awareness: Enhancing education on counterfeit risks and brand integrity.
With increasing global demand for traceable, high-quality products, India stands at a critical juncture to implement world-class anti-counterfeiting measures. Stakeholders at the forum expressed confidence that the discussions would lead to actionable policy reforms, ensuring long-term industry sustainability and consumer trust.
Forum Participation and Future Outlook
TAF 2025 hosted over 200 participants, including 40+ industry leaders, government officials, and technology experts. Representatives from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, and leading companies emphasized the need for decisive regulatory actions. The forum concluded with a firm commitment to advocate for robust anti-counterfeiting policies and technological advancements, placing the onus on policymakers to drive necessary reforms.
About ASPA
The Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA) is the world’s first self-regulated non-profit organization dedicated to physical and digital authentication and traceability solutions. Founded in 1998, ASPA promotes awareness and adoption of authentication technologies to safeguard brands, documents, revenue, and consumer interests. By collaborating with government authorities, businesses, and industry professionals, ASPA continues to lead global efforts in brand protection and revenue security through innovative traceability solutions.
