Authentication Forum targeting counterfeiting launched in New Delhi

The Dollar Business Bureau

In a strong move against counterfeiting and enabling the “Make-Sure-India” movement in the country, India’s first two-day authentication conference cum exhibition – The Authentication Forum 2017 opened on Feb 13 at The Taj Mahal Hotel, Man Singh Road, New Delhi. This forum is organised by Authentication Solutions Providers Association (ASPA) and Messe Frankfurt India (MFI) jointly.

A high-profile panel of experts including government authorities and technology specialists have come together in New Delhi to mark the launch of this important platform which was inaugurated by B K Prasad (IAS), Member – Secretary, National Commission for Denotified, Nomadic & Semi-Nomadic Tribes, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment along with P. V. Rama Sastry, Joint Secretary – Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Govt. of India, and Chandrashekhar Ranga, Dy Drugs Controller (India), Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation.

Speaking on the occasion, B K Prasad said: “I am happy that the industry has come together to deliberate on this important issue. This is a major concern which affects industries, government and the public at large and I am happy to be here at the Authentication Forum which can bring forward implementable solutions.”

V. Rama Sastry said: “Even as industry revenues take a major hit by counterfeits, the biggest loss is to the consumer. All of us need to work together to address this growing concern and the panel discussion with various cross-sector stakeholders at this important forum will serve this purpose.”

Eminent experts including, Arvind Gupta, National President (Convener) – IT Cell, Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP), Anil Rajput, Senior Chair – Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry – Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (FICCI CASCADE) & Vice President - Corporate Affairs, ITC Ltd, Rama Shankar Pandey, Co-Chairman, Consumer Affairs & Anti – Counterfeit Committee, Automotive Component Manufacturers’ Association of India (ACMA) & Managing Director, Hella India, Vivek Padgaonkar, Director – Project & Policy, Organization of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI), Pradeep Shroff, Noted Anti-Counterfeiting Expert, Author, Former President, ASPA & Former Managing Director – PRS Permacel Pvt. Ltd and many more shared their insight on this vital issues aimed at mitigating counterfeiting concerns. 

U.K. Gupta, President, ASPA, said, “Our Government seems committed to fighting against black money and terrorism and we welcome the initiative of Government of India and the campaign “Made in India”. Today, “Made in India” product has a great opportunity in India and overseas market. However, with the increase of counterfeiting in various sectors, there is a constant need to ensure that these “Made in India” label products are of highest quality, genuine and secure till it is delivered to the end consumer. We offer various authentication solutions which will ensure that “Made in India” label products are of highest quality and can be easily identified as genuine products by brand owners, Government authorities and consumer by large with the help of IT and digital solutions such as mobile apps, SMS and web based applications. This summit will have a positive step on our existing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream country campaign “Make in India” & ASPA’s campaign “Make Sure India”. 

On this occasion, Nakul Pasricha, Vice-President, ASPA said, “Counterfeiting is increasing 3% per annum globally. In India, the problem is more severe, it is growing at an alarming rate of almost 44% per year. As per industry body, FICCI-CASCADE, from the counterfeiting activity the Government of India has incurred a loss of Rs. 26,190 crores in the fiscal year 2011-12 which has increased to Rs. 39,239 crores in 2013-14, a growth of 49.8% in two years.

Arun Agarwal, General Secretary, ASPA said, “Plugging counterfeiting can help Government in increased tax revenue approximately Rs. 26,190 crore which currently goes to counterfeiters and to black economy. There are proven studies that adoption of authentication solutions can help curb this menace, minimise black money as well as increase tax revenue. “For example, the most successful case study is of usage of authentication solutions by various State Excise Department’s which provides them with an authentic tool to differentiate illicit liquor and helps in fighting against counterfeiting. In India, more than 22 States are already using approximately 2000 crores security hologram (tax stamps) on liquor bottles per annum. The usage of authentication solutions in these States like Tamilnadu, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Chhattisgarh etc. etc. has not only minimised the tragedies due to spurious liquor but have also substantially increased the excise revenue collection by more than 15-20 percent on year to year basis”. 

Day one of the summit focussed on these on reviewing counterfeit menace across various sectors including medicines, FMCG, Auto parts, Liquor, Mobile Phones and others. Day two of the summit will provide insight to delegates about authentication solutions and trends from global experts through a series of sessions on Anti-Counterfeiting Strategies beyond solutions.