Global hologram body welcomes latest anti-counterfeiting move

Plans by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines to provide greater protection for consumers against the dangers of counterfeit electrical products have been welcomed by the trade body representing the global hologram industry.

The International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA) says the DTI’s requirement for vendors to include new Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers on electrical goods by April is another step forward in the battle against counterfeiters.

The move sends a clear signal that combating the counterfeiters remains a high priority and that protecting consumers from illegal and dangerous fake products is paramount, says the IHMA.

It also reaffirms the hologram’s position as a pre-eminent security feature in the global anti-counterfeiting fight.

The DTI has unveiled an update of the 2009 ICC sticker, which features higher definition printing to make it costlier and more difficult to duplicate.

These serve as indicators to consumers that products such as electric fans, light bulbs, Christmas lights, fuses, air conditioners have passed mandatory safety standards enforced by the Trade department.

Importers must submit samples of these goods for inspection to receive an ICC certificate for the business and safety seals which must be affixed on the products.

The new ICC stickers, which come in two sizes, are printed using electron beam origination producing an image resolution of 500,000 dots per inch (DPI). Regular printers, on the other hand, have an image resolution of only 10,000 DPI.

The stickers can be authenticated using a special gadget to be distributed to retailers.

The hologram designs are also registered with the International Hologram Manufacturers Association, the leading body which certifies the uniqueness of a security design and includes leading producers and converters of holograms for anti-counterfeiting and brand protection.

Ian Lancaster, IHMA general secretary, said: ‘The DTI’s initiative is welcome, reinforcing holography’s key role as a highly effective, highly flexible weapon in the ongoing battle to thwart counterfeiters and fraudsters in the region.

‘Consumers are reassured by the presence of holograms on products and recognize the benefits they provide. Holography appears to have a strong future as we continue to see new applications for this versatile and durable technology.’

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