TAF Connect conference in Mumbai highlights ways to combat counterfeiting

The Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA) hosted the TAF Connect conference in Mumbai on 16 March, bringing together industry leaders, regulators, technology providers and brand owners to talk about strategies to tackle counterfeiting and enhancing product authentication across the pharmaceutical, agriculture and FMGC industries.

The event opened with a welcome address by ASPA president Ankit Gupta, followed by special remarks from Rajesh Kumar Mishra, director of the Indian Institute of Packaging and additional DGFT Mumbai, and former IPS officer Dr Keshav Kumar. A major highlight of the Mumbai event was the unveiling of the ASPA–CRISIL State of Counterfeiting Report 2025, presented by Anjali Nathwani of CRISIL Consulting. This report analyzes the scale of counterfeit products in India and the growing need for stronger authentication and traceability solutions.

Panel discussions focus on policy, supply chains and sectoral risks

The first panel discussion delved into how adoption of authentication and traceability technologies in supply chains can safeguard India’s economic growth. Moderated by Naresh Khanna, editor of Packaging South Asia, the discussion brought together representatives from industry, including Mankind Pharma, Crystal Crop Protection, GS1 India and Polycab India. Speakers highlighted the role of digital traceability, serialization and supply chain transparency in protecting brands and consumers while improving operational visibility across manufacturing and distribution networks.

A second panel titled ‘Standards that Safeguard: Enabling Trust Through Policy, Compliance and Consumer Protection’ explored the importance of regulatory frameworks in tackling counterfeiting. Moderated by Nakul Pasricha of ASPA, the session featured experts from food safety, intellectual property law and regulatory bodies. The discussion highlighted the requirement for stronger policy implementation, coordinated enforcement and consumer awareness to build trust in markets increasingly affected by counterfeit goods.

Another session focused on the pharmaceutical sector under the theme “Pharma Without Compromise: Technology-Driven Protection from Manufacturing to Patient.” Moderated by Viveka Roychowdhury, editor of Express Pharma, the panel brought together representatives from Alembic Pharmaceuticals, the Ayurvedic Drugs Manufacturers Association, ASPA and the International Optical Technology Association. Participants discussed serialization, authentication labels and digital verification systems as critical tools to protect patients from counterfeit medicines.

The conference addressed sector-specific challenges in the agriculture and FMCG supply chains. A panel on agri-integrity moderated by Ashish Agarwal of PwC India examined how traceability systems can strengthen the farm-to-field ecosystem by improving transparency in agrochemical distribution. Another discussion on combating FMCG counterfeits, moderated by Ramu Ramanathan, editor, Printweek India, explored how smart packaging technologies, quality assurance systems and supply chain monitoring can protect everyday consumer products.

Technical presentations highlight emerging authentication technologies

Alongside the panel discussions, several technical presentations showcased emerging anti-counterfeiting technologies. Industry experts from companies such as Holostik India and Canpac Veritech presented innovations in holography, security printing and packaging authentication solutions.

A presentation by Dr Keshav Kumar examined the role of forensic investigation and authentication systems in identifying counterfeit products and supporting enforcement agencies. Another session by Amazon India highlighted transparency initiatives and digital tools designed to detect and prevent counterfeit products in e-commerce supply chains.

Additional presentations focused on advances in security labels, brand protection technologies and digital verification systems that enable real-time product authentication across complex supply chains.

Industry collaboration key to combating counterfeit trade

Participants at TAF Connect said the fight against counterfeiting requires collaboration between industry, regulators and technology providers. With India’s manufacturing, pharmaceutical and consumer goods sectors expanding rapidly, experts noted that authentication technologies, traceability systems and stronger policy frameworks will play a crucial role in protecting consumers, safeguarding brands and strengthening supply chain integrity.