Serialization and Hologram Labels: The Twin Pillars of Pharmaceutical Security

Why Serialization Alone Is Not Enough

Pharmaceutical companies worldwide are under increasing pressure to implement serialization systems to meet compliance requirements such as the EU Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) and the U.S. Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA). Serialization assigns a unique code to every package, enabling traceability throughout the global supply chain.

However, serialization on its own has a major weakness: codes can be copied. Counterfeiters can replicate the printed serial numbers or QR codes and place them on fake products. Without an additional layer of physical protection, the system is vulnerable.

The Role of Hologram Labels in Securing Serialization

This is where pharmaceutical hologram labels come into play. By integrating serialization data into a custom-designed hologram seal, companies add a layer of security that is nearly impossible to duplicate.

• Tamper-Proof Seals: Once broken, the hologram clearly shows evidence of tampering, preventing re-sealing.

• Optical Complexity: Multi-dimensional holograms are extremely difficult to replicate with conventional printing methods, deterring counterfeiters.

• Digital Integration: QR codes, barcodes, or alphanumeric serialization can be embedded directly into the holographic surface, creating a dual-authentication system (digital + physical).

• End-User Verification: Patients can scan the QR code to confirm authenticity, while also seeing the holographic seal as a visual indicator of trust.

Real-World Impact

A European pharmaceutical distributor reported that after adopting tamper-proof hologram labels with embedded serialization, counterfeit interception increased by over 60%. Pharmacies were able to identify fake products during distribution checks, preventing them from reaching patients.

This proves that the combination of serialization and holograms offers much stronger protection than serialization alone.

Why This Matters for Pharma Brands

By adopting serialization-enabled hologram labels, pharmaceutical companies can:

• Ensure compliance with international regulations (EU FMD, DSCSA, WHO).

• Strengthen trust among patients and healthcare providers.

• Minimize financial losses caused by counterfeit products.

• Enhance brand reputation by demonstrating a proactive commitment to safety.

👉 Don’t let counterfeiters exploit gaps in your supply chain.
📩 Contact us today to explore our custom serialization hologram solutions for pharmaceutical packaging. Request free samples and discover how we can help you safeguard patient trust.