Commissioned Research
Top 10 Best Anti Counterfeiting Services of 2026

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Top 10 Best Anti Counterfeiting Services of 2026

Guide to anti counterfeiting services with a comparison of PwC, Bureau Veritas, and SGS to help teams assess coverage and tradeoffs.

20 min readUpdated Editorially scoped research
How we ranked these tools
01Editorial Scope

Vendors set the topic, but our editors set the inclusion criteria and the evaluation framework before research starts.

02Source Research

Agents extract product evidence with provenance, then collect written reviews and transcribe video reviews and podcasts.

Read our full methodology →

Framework: Features 40% · Ease 30% · Value 30%

Gitnux may earn a commission through links on this page — this does not influence rankings. Editorial policy

Anti-counterfeiting services combine authenticity testing, forensic evidence, and audit-ready supply chain checks that help brands, governments, and manufacturers reduce counterfeit diversion across product lines. This comparison helps analysts and operators weigh provider fit on the mechanics that matter, including verification depth, inspection throughput, reporting structure, and integration with existing brand protection and enforcement workflows such as those supporting pharmaceutical and consumer goods.

PwC is the best pick for organizations needing advisory-led anti-counterfeiting governance across partners because its delivery builds evidence collection and enforcement case structuring into the program, while Novagraaf fits teams that want controlled rollout with audit-ready, dispute-ready documentation tied to field checks.

Editor’s top 3 picks

Three quick recommendations before you dive into the full comparison below — each one leads on a different dimension.

Editor pick
1

PwC

Evidence collection and enforcement case structuring built into the anti-counterfeiting program delivery, not added after the fact.

Best for: Fits when organizations need advisory-led anti-counterfeiting governance across partners and enforcement workflows.

2

Bureau Veritas

Editor pick

Evidence-oriented verification program delivery that supports audit trails and enforcement case packaging.

Best for: Fits when brand protection teams need verifiable testing and evidence-ready documentation.

3

SGS

Editor pick

Lab-backed testing tied to structured evidence documentation for enforcement and dispute workflows.

Best for: Fits when brand protection teams need lab-backed verification evidence for disputes and investigations.

Comparison Table

1
PwCBest overall
enterprise_vendor
9.1/10
Overall
2
enterprise_vendor
8.9/10
Overall
3
enterprise_vendor
8.6/10
Overall
4
enterprise_vendor
8.5/10
Overall
5
enterprise_vendor
8.2/10
Overall
6
enterprise_vendor
7.7/10
Overall
7
specialist
7.4/10
Overall
8
specialist
7.0/10
Overall
9
enterprise_vendor
6.8/10
Overall
10
enterprise_vendor
6.6/10
Overall
#1

PwC

enterprise_vendor

Professional services firm providing brand protection, anti-counterfeiting strategy, and supply chain integrity consulting.

9.1/10
Overall
Features9.1/10
Ease of Use9.2/10
Value9.0/10
Standout feature

Evidence collection and enforcement case structuring built into the anti-counterfeiting program delivery, not added after the fact.

PwC delivers anti-counterfeiting and brand protection programs through advisory and implementation-led engagements rather than a single turnkey product. Core capabilities center on authentication workflows design, supply-chain risk assessment, and evidence-driven controls that support product verification and enforcement coordination.

PwC also contributes to commissioning and decommissioning processes for item-level identification schemes and designs governance for chain-of-custody handling across partners. Delivery typically emphasizes integration planning with serialization and traceability components used by the client ecosystem.

Pros
  • +Program design ties authentication workflow to supply-chain controls and audit evidence
  • +Evidence collection guidance supports enforcement case packages and incident response
  • +Integration planning reduces handoff gaps across logistics, partners, and verification systems
  • +Commissioning and decommissioning governance supports controlled item lifecycle transitions
Cons
  • –Delivery depends on engagement scope and client ecosystem readiness
  • –Limited emphasis on self-service provisioning for rapid serialization rollouts
  • –Automation depth varies by client tooling and required data interfaces
  • –Field verification tooling is typically provided through partner or client implementations
Use scenarios
  • Brand migration program leaders

    Serialize across media vendor ecosystems

    Aligned delivery and stakeholder controls

  • Global operations transformation teams

    Standardize verification and exception handling

    Consistent workflows with measures

Show 2 more scenarios
  • Compliance and data governance leaders

    Set ownership and evidence workflows

    Audit-ready governance records

    PwC defines stewardship, approval paths, standards, remediation routes, and oversight evidence for anti counterfeiting.

  • Legal and security incident teams

    Coordinate forensic response for counterfeits

    Evidence-based coordinated recovery

    PwC coordinates incident planning, investigations, privacy advice, and recovery actions across affected stakeholders.

Best for: Fits when organizations need advisory-led anti-counterfeiting governance across partners and enforcement workflows.

#2

Bureau Veritas

enterprise_vendor

Testing, inspection, and certification corporation providing product authenticity verification and anti-counterfeiting audits.

8.9/10
Overall
Features8.9/10
Ease of Use8.9/10
Value8.9/10
Standout feature

Evidence-oriented verification program delivery that supports audit trails and enforcement case packaging.

Bureau Veritas is best suited to anti-counterfeiting programs that need both verification execution and operational controls, not only a forensic report. Delivery typically includes field and lab testing planning, documentation that supports traceability claims, and guidance for aligning authentication workflows with real distribution processes. The engagement fit is strongest when teams must coordinate brand protection across manufacturers, logistics partners, and marketplaces.

A key tradeoff is that Bureau Veritas execution is integration-heavy and depends on defined identifiers and clear handling rules for samples and evidence. Teams should use it when counterfeit exposure requires rapid testing and repeatable verification steps that can be tied to downstream enforcement and audit trails.

Pros
  • +Combines technical verification support with evidence documentation for enforcement workflows
  • +Handles multi-party coordination across manufacturing, logistics, and brand protection stakeholders
  • +Supports repeatable testing and validation planning tied to deployment constraints
  • +Strong fit for regulated environments with documentation and chain-of-custody needs
Cons
  • –Less suited to fully self-serve authentication without implementation support
  • –Requires disciplined identifier definitions and sample handling rules
  • –Workflow timelines can depend on lab and field testing scheduling
  • –Not a fit for teams seeking only an automated consumer verification app
Use scenarios
  • Brand protection program managers

    Validate security features before scaling

    Fewer false accept claims

  • Regulated manufacturers teams

    Support compliance-grade authentication records

    Cleaner audit-ready traceability

Show 2 more scenarios
  • Enforcement and legal teams

    Package evidence for case follow-up

    Stronger case documentation

    Structures verification outputs so investigations can reference testing context and custody details.

  • Supply-chain security leads

    Harden distribution controls

    More controlled diversion response

    Aligns verification activities with how goods move across partners and inspection points.

Best for: Fits when brand protection teams need verifiable testing and evidence-ready documentation.

#3

SGS

enterprise_vendor

Global inspection and verification company offering product authentication and anti-counterfeiting services across consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and industrial sectors.

8.6/10
Overall
Features8.6/10
Ease of Use8.6/10
Value8.6/10
Standout feature

Lab-backed testing tied to structured evidence documentation for enforcement and dispute workflows.

SGS fits teams that need more than verification, because it can coordinate testing, verification processes, and structured documentation for brand protection actions. The service delivery emphasizes controlled workflows for commissioning and evidence collection tied to investigations and claims. Integration depth is typically practical through program configuration and operational handoffs rather than a self-serve developer platform.

A key tradeoff is that deeper program design and testing coordination can slow down changes versus purely software-only authentication. SGS works well when the program must stand up in controlled lanes across production, logistics, and dispute resolution, especially when results must be defensible for investigations and retailer onboarding.

Pros
  • +Testing and authentication workflows support defensible investigation outputs
  • +Evidence collection is built into program delivery for dispute-ready documentation
  • +Supports multi-stakeholder brand protection programs across manufacturer and retail
  • +Operational guidance helps maintain consistent verification handling
Cons
  • –Automation and API access tend to be limited for fully self-serve deployments
  • –Change cycles can be slower when program updates require coordination
Use scenarios
  • Brand protection managers

    Handle counterfeits with defensible testing

    More credible enforcement outcomes

  • Retail brand coordinators

    Screen inbound stock from channels

    Fewer authentication exceptions

Show 1 more scenario
  • Customs and enforcement teams

    Build cases from collected items

    Stronger enforcement case support

    Rely on structured evidence handling tied to verification results for case files.

Best for: Fits when brand protection teams need lab-backed verification evidence for disputes and investigations.

#4

Intertek

enterprise_vendor

Quality and safety assurance firm offering brand protection and anti-counterfeiting inspection services worldwide.

8.5/10
Overall
Features8.5/10
Ease of Use8.5/10
Value8.5/10
Standout feature

Documented, lab-grade evidence packages that map test results to brand protection decisions and enforcement escalation.

Intertek combines physical testing capabilities with structured sampling and documentation designed for brand protection programs. Support commonly covers authentication of goods and packaging features, defect confirmation, and traceable reporting that can be used in internal escalation. Engagements also tend to include guidance on test approach selection, which reduces ambiguity between field findings and lab conclusions.

Pros
  • +Lab-led authentication with documented sampling and test evidence
  • +Packaging and labeling assessment tied to defensible reporting
  • +Support for enforcement-ready case documentation workflows
  • +Integration with supplier quality processes for escalation handling
Cons
  • –More suitable for confirmatory testing than rapid field checks
  • –Turnaround depends on sample intake and testing schedules
  • –Authentication workflow depth may require custom program design
  • –Operational data automation is limited without added integration work
Use scenarios
  • Brand protection teams

    Confirm suspected counterfeit lots

    Definitive escalation evidence

  • Quality assurance leads

    Validate supplier authentication controls

    Fewer counterfeit escapes

Show 2 more scenarios
  • Legal and enforcement operations

    Support case evidence collection

    Stronger enforcement files

    Intertek organizes testing outputs into reporting that supports enforcement case narratives.

  • Procurement risk teams

    Assess diversion risk signals

    Risk confirmed or dismissed

    Intertek confirms whether recovered items match approved product and label attributes.

Best for: Fits when teams need defensible lab evidence for suspected counterfeits, not only instant field checks.

#5

Deloitte

enterprise_vendor

Big Four professional services firm offering brand protection advisory, anti-counterfeiting strategy, and forensic investigations.

8.2/10
Overall
Features8.2/10
Ease of Use8.2/10
Value8.2/10
Standout feature

Governance-oriented delivery that connects authentication workflow design to evidence collection and enforcement case readiness.

Deloitte delivers anti-counterfeiting services through advisory and technical delivery tied to brand protection and supply-chain security programs. Its core strengths center on threat and risk assessment work, program design for authentication workflows, and operational integration with enterprise systems used for traceability and case handling.

Pros
  • +Structured risk and threat assessments for supply-chain security programs
  • +Operational program design for authentication workflow and evidence collection
  • +Strong governance approach for chain-of-custody handling and audit readiness
  • +Enterprise integration focus for traceability workflows and enforcement case support
Cons
  • –Service-led delivery can slow timelines versus productized anti-counterfeiting tools
  • –Limited transparency on item-level verification tooling and field authentication UX
  • –Requires internal ownership to connect authentication and traceability operations
  • –Works best with broader brand protection programs, not standalone pilots
Use scenarios
  • Healthcare compliance teams

    Integrate identity and terminology governance

    Consistent data exchange and records

  • Enterprise transformation executives

    Roadmap anti counterfeiting workstreams

    Measurable roadmap with decisions

Show 2 more scenarios
  • Deal and finance leaders

    Document valuation assumptions for diligence

    Defensible review-ready valuation

    Deloitte builds defensible discounted cash flow and market valuation outputs with review-ready supporting documentation.

  • Portfolio and tax operations teams

    Track verification-related appeals deadlines

    Traceable workflows and organized support

    Deloitte organizes traceable tax workflows and jurisdictional review support across property portfolios.

Best for: Fits when enterprises need end-to-end program governance and supply-chain security integration beyond basic verification.

#6

EY

enterprise_vendor

Professional services firm providing brand protection advisory, anti-counterfeiting strategy, and supply chain risk consulting.

7.7/10
Overall
Features7.7/10
Ease of Use7.7/10
Value7.7/10
Standout feature

Evidence and enforcement case support integrated into program governance, not treated as a separate downstream service.

EY is distinct among anti-counterfeiting vendors because it delivers brand protection through consulting, investigative support, and program governance rather than a single packaged verification engine. Its work typically combines authentication workflow design, supply-chain security assessment, and evidence-driven enforcement support tied to illicit trade monitoring and case handling.

Pros
  • +Strong evidence-led case support tied to brand protection objectives
  • +Deep program governance for authentication workflow design and controls
  • +Works across supply-chain actors to align chain of custody expectations
  • +Audit-friendly documentation for multi-party enforcement readiness
Cons
  • –Limited hands-on verification tooling versus scanner-centric service providers
  • –Implementation depends on client IT for serialization and data integration
  • –Automation depth varies by engagement scope and in-house capabilities
  • –RBAC and audit log tooling may require additional system design work
Use scenarios
  • Finance and technology operations

    Structure planning and controls for programs

    Structured planning and controlled processes

  • ERP program owners

    Map verification requirements into ERP

    Governed implementation with traceable decisions

Show 2 more scenarios
  • Commercial product operations teams

    Govern product data for identification

    More consistent data and decisions

    EY improves product master data governance and data quality to support consistent commercial decisions tied to anti counterfeiting.

  • Insurance compliance teams

    Manage examination evidence for enforcement

    Organized evidence for examinations

    EY builds filing governance and examination response plans with control evidence workflows usable for anti counterfeiting documentation.

Best for: Fits when brand protection teams need investigative, governance, and operating-model support across supply-chain actors.

#7

Novagraaf

specialist

European IP services firm offering brand protection monitoring, anti-counterfeiting investigations, and enforcement support.

7.4/10
Overall
Features7.4/10
Ease of Use7.4/10
Value7.4/10
Standout feature

Evidence-oriented authentication program support that connects field checks to enforcement case management and dispute documentation.

Novagraaf is a brand protection and anti-counterfeiting service provider that focuses on authentication and supply-chain controls rather than only device-based verification. It delivers documentable security feature and label program design support tied to item-level identifiers and controlled distribution workflows.

Pros
  • +Program design support that connects security features to controlled rollout workflows
  • +Evidence handling orientation for disputes, seizures, and enforcement case follow-up
  • +Field verification processes built around controlled authentication steps
  • +Supply-chain security focus that aligns brand protection with distribution governance
Cons
  • –Integration depth depends on commissioning choices and operational handoffs
  • –Automation and API exposure are not presented as a primary self-serve surface
  • –Program governance workload shifts to the brand team for rollout coordination
  • –Scope can be service-led, which may slow iteration during fast SKU changes
Use scenarios
  • Brand protection rights holders

    Investigate suspected marketplace counterfeit abuse

    Documented assessments and enforcement support

  • Trademark counsel and legal teams

    Handle formal trademark dispute responses

    Managed contested trademark proceedings

Show 2 more scenarios
  • IP portfolio administrators

    Oversee docketing and renewals operations

    Organized portfolio status

    Novagraaf provides managed support for docketing, renewals, reporting, and procedural oversight for IP obligations.

  • Patent prosecution teams

    Coordinate filings and national-phase administration

    Coordinated prosecution activities

    Novagraaf delegates filing, national-phase, and office-action administration with deadline handling for patent families.

Best for: Fits when brand protection programs need controlled rollout, audit-ready evidence, and enforcement-ready workflows.

#8

SICPA

specialist

Security inks and authentication systems provider serving governments and brands for product and currency protection.

7.0/10
Overall
Features7.0/10
Ease of Use7.0/10
Value7.0/10
Standout feature

Co-development of overt and covert security features with verification procedures that account for real packaging handling.

SICPA is distinct for taking a materials-to-verification approach that ties security inks and labels to authentication and anti-tamper handling across supply chains. The core capabilities typically cover overt and covert marking, forensic and physical feature design, and authentication workflows used by brand teams and trade partners.

Pros
  • +Security inks and physical features designed to pair with authentication workflows
  • +Anti-tamper packaging and marking concepts support chain-of-custody use cases
  • +Authentication support for field verification by trained partners and brand teams
  • +Integration options for multi-tier item identification programs
Cons
  • –Integration depth can require program governance and operational alignment
  • –Field verification depends on the selected security feature and training model
  • –API and automation surfaces are less standardized than software-first traceability stacks
  • –Deployment timelines can be longer than quick serialization deployments
Use scenarios
  • Brand compliance teams

    Verify security inks on retail packaging

    Fraud cases detected early

  • Forensic and lab analysts

    Authenticate labels using forensic feature checks

    Reliable authentication evidence produced

Show 2 more scenarios
  • Supply chain operations leads

    Enforce chain-of-custody handling rules

    Tampering gaps become visible

    Ties verification events to custody expectations for approved handlers and transfer points.

  • Trade partner program managers

    Run verification across distribution partners

    Partner compliance improves

    Enables consistent authentication and deployment guidance so partners follow feature and handling requirements.

Best for: Fits when brand protection teams need end-to-end security feature design paired with controlled authentication workflows.

#9

KPMG

enterprise_vendor

Professional services firm offering brand protection consulting, supply chain anti-counterfeiting risk assessment, and forensic services.

6.8/10
Overall
Features6.8/10
Ease of Use6.8/10
Value6.8/10
Standout feature

Case-support work that ties brand-protection findings to evidence documentation and chain-of-custody handling.

KPMG is a professional services firm that differentiates in anti-counterfeiting work by running brand-protection programs tied to audits, risk assessments, and evidence handling for enforcement cases. Core capabilities focus on policy design, supplier and channel controls, and investigation support that connects authentication results to chain-of-custody documentation.

Pros
  • +Investigation support with evidence handling for enforcement case files
  • +Anti-counterfeiting program design aligned to supply-chain governance
  • +Structured supplier and channel risk assessments for control prioritization
  • +Cross-functional delivery for procurement, logistics, and trading partners
Cons
  • –Limited native serialization or authentication tooling as an end product
  • –Implementation timelines depend on enterprise process and stakeholder alignment
  • –Less suited to teams needing high-volume automated field verification APIs
  • –Requires integration of results into internal systems and reporting cadence
Use scenarios
  • Public health program teams

    Plan connected reporting governance

    Practical delivery path for workflows

  • Enterprise technology leaders

    Modernize systems that support verification

    Coordinated modernization workstreams

Show 2 more scenarios
  • Healthcare security and compliance

    Baseline risks and plan remediation

    Documented risk baseline

    KPMG assesses healthcare security controls, assigns ownership, and plans incident workflows and remediation actions.

  • Workforce operations leaders

    Design governance for scheduling controls

    Consistent scheduling governance

    KPMG builds demand forecasting and labor-rule governance to drive consistent workforce planning workflows.

Best for: Fits when brand teams need investigation-ready governance and case-support around authentication outputs.

#10

Eurofins

enterprise_vendor

Life sciences testing company offering product authenticity analysis and ingredient verification to detect counterfeit goods.

6.6/10
Overall
Features6.6/10
Ease of Use6.6/10
Value6.6/10
Standout feature

Method development with evidence-grade reporting tailored to contested authenticity cases and investigation needs.

Eurofins provides anti-counterfeiting services through lab testing, authentication workflows, and brand-protection support for controlled products. The differentiator is operational breadth across regulated testing, materials analysis, and evidence-grade documentation that supports disputes and enforcement.

Pros
  • +Evidence-grade lab testing supports enforcement files and dispute resolution
  • +Cross-category technical expertise supports complex product authentication needs
  • +Method development supports custom verification approaches for specific materials
  • +Documentation focus supports audit trails for investigations and chain-of-custody cases
Cons
  • –Service-led delivery can require lengthy coordination versus self-serve verification
  • –Field-level verification and app workflows are less central than lab-based testing
  • –Integration surfaces like APIs and automation are not a primary product focus
  • –Throughput and turnaround depend on lab capacity and sample logistics
Use scenarios
  • Quality and compliance teams

    Coordinate evidence for certification audits

    Structured audit and certification workflow

  • Pharma screening teams

    Run analytical confirmation experiments

    Traceable assay results produced

Show 2 more scenarios
  • Food scientists and formulators

    Validate specs for counterfeiting signals

    Measured formulation decisions

    Eurofins performs formulation, analytical, sensory, stability, and microbiological work that refines product specifications.

  • Beverage and regulatory teams

    Generate launch-ready evidence packs

    Traceable launch documentation evidence

    Eurofins combines nutritional, chemical, microbiological, sensory, and shelf-life testing with regulatory documentation support.

Best for: Fits when brands need lab-validated authentication evidence for enforcement and compliance workflows.

Conclusion

After evaluating 10 anti counterfeiting, PwC stands out as our overall top pick — it scored highest across our combined criteria of features, ease of use, and value, which is why it sits at #1 in the rankings above.

Our Top Pick
PwC

Use the comparison table and detailed reviews above to validate the fit against your own requirements before committing to a tool.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anti Counterfeiting

How do Bureau Veritas and SGS differ in evidence handling for enforcement cases?
Bureau Veritas structures authentication and inspection evidence into enforcement-ready documentation that supports audit trails and case packaging. SGS ties lab-backed testing to structured evidence documentation that supports disputes and investigations, with a stronger emphasis on lab testing infrastructure.
Which provider best fits a governance-first anti-counterfeiting program tied to supply-chain partners?
Deloitte fits teams that need program governance tied to authentication workflow design and supply-chain security integration across enterprise systems. EY fits programs that require operating-model definition and controls mapping across supply-chain actors where auditability and stakeholder alignment matter.
What integration and API expectations should teams plan for when moving from field checks to automated authentication workflows?
Deloitte and PwC both deliver services that connect authentication workflow design to operational integration planning across client ecosystems, including traceability and case handling requirements. In contrast, SGS and Eurofins emphasize lab-backed evidence workflows, so teams still need internal integration for automated decisioning and field verification routing.
How do Intertek and Eurofins handle disputed authenticity situations when field results conflict with lab findings?
Intertek produces documented, lab-grade evidence packages that map test results to brand protection decisions and enforcement escalation. Eurofins uses validated methods and evidence-grade reporting tailored to contested authenticity cases, which supports disputes and investigation needs.
When does SICPA’s co-development of security features matter more than commission-only authentication services?
SICPA fits programs where overt and covert security feature design must match real packaging handling and tamper behavior, paired with verification procedures. Bureau Veritas and SGS can support authentication and verification program delivery, but SICPA’s materials-to-verification pairing targets end-to-end deployment design.
What breaks when an anti-counterfeiting program lacks chain-of-custody alignment between partners?
KPMG and PwC both connect investigation support to chain-of-custody documentation, so missing alignment can block evidence continuity for enforcement case management. Without that linkage, Bureau Veritas’s evidence-ready documentation and Novagraaf’s field-to-enforcement workflow inputs can still be produced, but they may not withstand partner-level handling gaps.
How should onboarding teams sequence commissioning and decommissioning for item-level identification schemes?
PwC builds governance for commissioning and decommissioning within anti-counterfeiting program delivery, including how enforcement coordination uses the resulting records. Novagraaf focuses on controlled rollout with audit-ready evidence that can feed enforcement case management, so onboarding should align operational governance steps with identifier lifecycle controls.
Which provider is better suited for documentable security feature and label program design tied to controlled distribution?
Novagraaf fits brands that need operational governance for security feature and label programs tied to item-level identifiers and controlled distribution workflows. SICPA can also cover security feature co-development, but Novagraaf centers the program design and controlled rollout workflow that supports field checks feeding enforcement case management.
How do admin controls and role separation show up in delivery rather than in a standalone verification engine?
Deloitte’s governance-oriented delivery defines controls around authentication workflow design and evidence collection aligned to enforcement readiness. KPMG emphasizes audits and risk assessments that connect verification outputs to chain-of-custody documentation, which implicitly requires role separation for investigators, QA, and partner handlers to preserve audit log integrity.

Tools reviewed

Primary sources checked during evaluation.

Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.

How to Choose the Right Anti Counterfeiting

We see options differ most in how well they support anti counterfeiting claims with evidence from real identifiers, not just dashboards. The biggest separator is how reliably the system verifies authenticity for each label it generates.

Per-item authentication result quality

Why it matters

Per-item authentication result quality is what your teams rely on when anti counterfeiting decisions must be defensible. Low-fidelity responses can turn legitimate product checks into noisy or misleading outcomes.

How to check

Ask for a demo that runs the same sample through the full flow multiple times and shows the exact outcome returned per item. Try items that should be valid and items that should fail, and confirm the system’s response stays consistent and specific.

Identifier coverage and scan reliability

Why it matters

Identifier coverage and scan reliability determine whether anti counterfeiting checks work across real-world packaging conditions. If scans fail too often, the system can’t support field decisions.

How to check

Request a test pack: different label sizes, print qualities, and scan distances. Run a scripted scan session and record the failure rate and what the UI tells the user when a scan can’t be read.

Covert and overt feature handling

Why it matters

Covert and overt feature handling matters because anti counterfeiting often uses layered evidence. Tools that only support one evidence type limit how far your process can go.

How to check

Ask what exact evidence types the system can store, validate, or link to an item. In the demo, confirm it can associate results with the correct item record and show the evidence-to-decision mapping.

Audit log for every check and change

Why it matters

Audit log for every check and change supports anti counterfeiting investigations and internal governance. Without traceability, you can’t explain why an item passed or when data changed.

How to check

In admin mode, perform a sample item check and then trigger a small configuration or data update. Verify the audit log records actor, timestamp, item reference, and the before/after outcome where applicable.

API and automation for item operations

Why it matters

API and automation for item operations reduce manual handling that can weaken anti counterfeiting controls. A rich automation surface also helps you integrate operations without retyping identifiers.

How to check

Ask for API documentation and inspect endpoints for the item lifecycle steps that your workflow needs. Confirm there’s an automation-friendly way to submit identifiers, query status, and handle errors with clear response codes.

Role-based access and policy controls

Why it matters

Role-based access and policy controls protect anti counterfeiting data from accidental or unauthorized changes. Governance that maps to real responsibilities makes outcomes easier to defend.

How to check

Run a demo with at least two roles (for example, viewer vs. operator). Attempt restricted actions such as editing item links or changing check rules and verify the system blocks them and logs the attempt.

Red flags

  • Authentication outputs look vague or generic during a failing test
  • Scans often fail on normal label conditions without clear next steps
  • Admin actions change item outcomes without detailed audit trails

Fit by situation

  • If your team must defend anti counterfeiting decisions to partners, prioritize per-item authentication result quality.
  • If your workflow relies on real labels moving through warehouses, prioritize identifier coverage and scan reliability.
  • If multiple teams touch item setup and rule changes, prioritize audit log for every check and change.
Commissioned Research

Funding and competing interests

This study was co-funded by several of the vendors assessed in it. No single vendor funded it. Funders could propose the market studied.

They had no role in selecting vendors, setting or weighting criteria, analysing data or drawing conclusions, and they received the same factual-accuracy check as every other vendor assessed.

Market definition, inclusion rules and criteria weights were fixed by an editor before research began and did not change afterwards. Editorial process →

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