What are UV or invisible ink security labels?

UV or invisible ink security labels contain printed features that are difficult or impossible to see under normal lighting but become visible under ultraviolet light. They are used as a covert authentication layer because the feature is not immediately obvious to someone examining or copying the package.

The UV feature can take the form of a logo, code, text, pattern, or other identifying mark. Authorised personnel can inspect the label using the appropriate UV light to check whether the hidden feature is present and appears correctly.

UV printing is generally stronger when used as part of a layered security system rather than as the only authentication method. It can be combined with holograms, tamper-evident materials, serialisation, QR codes, or other overt and covert features.