India combats counterfeiting

The summit welcomed by 216 attendees including senior delegations from Pfizer, Godfrey Phillips India, Anand and Anand, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India, Indian Oil Corporation, Rusan Pharma, Securikett Ulrich & Horn, Umeeka Packaging, Tesa Scribos, Secura Bangladesh, SICPA India, Vasu Healthcare, Matrix Technologies, Gopsons Papers, Modi Naturals, Gujarat Tea Processors & Packers, D D Packaging, ITC, Kezzler Hindustan, Rolling Optics, Optrical, Onspot Solutions, Mital International, and Bilcare Research, among others.

The recent edition of the Authentication Forum featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, open house interactions and networking sessions by notable international and national leaders from across the industry, policy makers, brand and packaging experts, authentication technology providers, consumer activists and consumer organizations.

The seminar was inaugurated by Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, India’s Sherpa to G7 and G20 and former Union Minister, Government of India; and Honourable Justice Manmohan Sarin, former Lokayukta, NCT of Delhi, Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Judge, High Court of Delhi; and Nakul Pasricha, ASPA president.

Suresh Prabhu said: ‘I am happy to see the commitment of the industry towards fighting counterfeiting. This forum is an assurance to the customer that his interest is protected and the quality which is promised will be delivered. We need to create a strong informed choice for customers and the government must play a crucial role by forming and implementing standards and guidelines to spread more awareness. It is important to engage with the customers, the government and other stakeholders by bringing them together for the same cause.’

Justice Manmohan Sarin said: ‘It is recognized that counterfeiting, smuggling, and illicit trade reached high levels in 2016 and amounted to as much as 509 billion USD. Counterfeiting results in loss of jobs, curtailing the growth of industries. The potential of creating havoc in healthcare systems by spurious drugs can result in loss of human lives. Battling socio-economic crimes, such as counterfeiting, and infringement of trademark and copyright, need to be expedited on priority. The Authentication Forum and its members can play a significant role in providing low cost, easy to use solutions for detecting counterfeit products from genuine ones.’ 

Nakul Pasricha, president of Authentication Solutions Providers Association, said: ‘ASPA is trying its best to create awareness and support the government, industry and consumers in fighting counterfeiting and building authentic eco-systems in the country. We believe the leadership summit will empower the industry in fight against counterfeiting, the crime of the 21st century. We are enthusiastic to see the positive response and support from the government and industry in the fight against fakes. We are confident that this powerful stage for anti-counterfeiting will enable key decision makers at all levels to enhance their knowledge and to fight counterfeits.

‘Representing 3.3 percent of world trade, counterfeiting is a critical risk for all companies, no matter where they are, and what product they manufacture. The issue of counterfeiting and sub-standard products has been the cause of many major tragedies claiming human lives both worldwide and in India. Counterfeiting is a problem and with all of you industry captains and delegates, let us work together in combating counterfeiting and leading India in achieving a 5 trillion USD knowledge based economy.’