ASPA and MFI Announce 5th Traceability and Authentication Forum

Continuing its fight against counterfeiting in India, the Authentication Solution Providers' Association (ASPA), in partnership with Messe Frankfurt India (MFI), has announced the next chapter of its flagship event, the Traceability & Authentication Forum^TM (TAF).

With the theme 'Coming Together to Pledge Zero Counterfeiting', the two-day event will be held 6-7 July 2023 in New Delhi, India.

The event is part of ASPA's five-year strategic plan to become a global Industry voice in authentication and traceability technology. According to a recent ASPA and CRISIL study, counterfeits constitute 25-30% of products sold in the country and are most prevalent in the apparel and fast- moving consumer goods sectors, followed by pharmaceutical, automotive, and consumer durables.

The event programme includes sessions on understanding counterfeiting and consumer perception, the latest regulatory perspectives in India, new and emerging authentication and traceability technologies, and opportunities for start-ups to pitch their latest innovations. It also includes a special session on 'Implementation of barcode/QR code on the top 300 pharmaceutical brands', as the government of India has mandated these brands to carry codes from 1 August 2023.

In addition, ASPA will invite nominations for the first edition of its annual industry award, 'U K Gupta Excellence Award 2023', in memory of the late Mr U K Gupta, founding and former president of ASPA and Chairman and Managing Director of Holostik India. There are four award categories: innovation in physical authentication, innovation in product traceability technologies and systems, authentication and traceability implementation, and consumer awareness programme. The awards will be presented during the conference.

Mr U K Gupta was also a board member of the International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA) and the only Indian citizen and holographer to receive the coveted Brian Monaghan Award for his contribution to the world of holography.

Authentication & Brand News™ is the media partner for this important event and will cover an exclusive post-event feature in upcoming editions.

For more information visit, authenticationforum.com.