What types of security labels are available to protect against counterfeiting?

Common security label types include holographic labels, VOID tamper-evident labels, destructible vinyl labels, UV invisible-ink labels, scratch-off labels, and serialised QR or variable-data labels, each addressing a different layer of authentication or tamper protection.

Holographic labels use custom diffractive patterns that produce a rainbow light effect, are difficult to photocopy or scan-reproduce, and are available as overt features visible to any consumer. VOID labels leave a permanent VOID pattern on both the label surface and the substrate underneath if someone attempts to remove and reapply them, giving clear physical evidence of tampering. Destructible vinyl labels are engineered to tear or shatter into small fragments on removal, making it physically impossible to lift the label intact for reuse on a counterfeit product.

UV invisible-ink labels are printed with fluorescent ink that is undetectable under normal light and only becomes visible under UV black-light, making them a covert verification tool for brand owners rather than consumers. Scratch-off labels conceal a unique PIN or code beneath a silver or gold latex overlay, commonly used for warranty registration or promotional verification. Serialised QR and variable-data labels print a unique code on every label, enabling item-level track-and-trace and consumer-facing scan-to-verify authentication. Brands typically combine two or more of these types based on the counterfeiting risk and regulatory requirements of their industry.