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Top 5 Mistakes Brands Make When Choosing Anti-Counterfeit Labels
Counterfeits Are Evolving—Is Your Label Strategy Ready?
As global counterfeiting becomes more advanced, simply applying a shiny sticker is no longer enough. Today’s anti-counterfeit labels must combine visual security, tamper evidence, and data traceability to protect both product and brand reputation.
Unfortunately, many brands—especially small and mid-sized exporters—make critical mistakes when choosing their labels. These mistakes can lead to vulnerabilities, customer complaints, and even revenue loss.
Here are the top 5 mistakes to avoid—and how you can make a smarter choice.
Mistake #1: Choosing Style Over Function
What goes wrong:
Some brands select a hologram sticker purely for its appearance, ignoring technical needs like tamper-evidence, QR traceability, or serial number uniqueness.
What to do instead:
Choose a label that balances visual appeal with security features—such as VOID material, honeycomb residue, or QR code integration.
Pro tip: Ask your supplier if your label can include dynamic QR or batch codes printed from your Excel list.
Mistake #2: Using the Same Label for Every Product
What goes wrong:
One-size-fits-all may seem efficient—but using the same label across all SKUs, markets, or packaging types increases the risk of counterfeiters replicating it easily.
What to do instead:
Customize label content, codes, or material type for different product lines. At our factory, we offer multi-version printing within one order to save cost while enhancing security.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Export Compliance or Country Standards
What goes wrong:
Some labels may not meet the regulatory standards of countries like the EU, U.S., or Middle East, especially in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
What to do instead:
Work with a supplier familiar with international export documentation, and choose labels that meet RoHS, MSDS, or ISO 9001 standards.
We support full export certification and factory audit videos upon request.
Mistake #4: Underestimating the Value of Serial/QR Code Management
What goes wrong:
Skipping serialization or using static QR codes makes it easy for fakes to enter the supply chain undetected.
What to do instead:
Use variable QR codes linked to a product database or landing page. You don’t need advanced software—our system lets you upload your Excel file with code data for precise printing.
Mistake #5: Choosing the Wrong Material or Adhesive
What goes wrong:
Using labels with weak adhesive or poor material compatibility can lead to peeling, damage, or unreadable codes—especially on curved, oily, or rough surfaces.
What to do instead:
Choose materials based on your packaging type (PET bottles, cardboard, foil pouches, etc.). Our team can send material samples for testing before full production.
Final Tip: Choose a Label Partner, Not Just a Printer
Many print shops can offer hologram stickers—but few understand product protection, code management, and supply chain traceability like a dedicated security label factory.
At our facility in China, we’ve helped over 1,200 brands in 70+ countries deploy customized anti-counterfeit solutions for:
Health supplements
Electronics & accessories
Cosmetics
OEM & ODM products
Cross-border e-commerce
We offer low MOQ (5,000 pcs), fast sampling (48h), and full English-language support.
📩 Need Help Choosing the Right Label?
Get a free consultation with our team to avoid these common mistakes and choose the most effective solution for your market.