Tobacco Asia

Volume 18, Number 2

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64 tobaccoasia Everyone involved in the supply chain – tobacco product manufacturers, distributors, consum- ers, as well as taxation and government authorities – has learnt the value of security holograms and will be reassured by their presence on products and/or packaging, recognizing the benefits they provide to everyone involved in our industry. However, as coding and serialization becomes mandated in various countries for products such as medicines and tobacco products, the ability to incorporate QR, data matrix, and other types of code into holograms further enhances the role they can play in supply chain control. Ian Lancaster, general secretary of the International Hologram Manufacturers Association, highlights the latest developments. Tobacco companies have to contend with challenges stemming from supply chain security lapses (which can result in theft, diversions, and product recalls), counterfeiting, and regulations. In addition, these factors can impair the health and reputation of companies by adversely impact- ing on profits, brand credibility, and research initiatives. With not only tobacco companies, but regulatory authorities, security agencies, and governments around the world realizing the benefits of implementing tobacco product tracking and tracing systems, which build on product serializa- tion, it becomes mandatory for those in the supply chain to comply with legislation pertaining to the locations in which they operate. Even where this is not mandated by law, tracking and tracing systems improve defences against counterfeiting and other infringements as well as improving distribution and inventory control. Coded Holograms: Keeping the Supply Chain Secure "Tobacco companies have to contend with challenges stemming from supply chain security lapses"

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