The development of security labels has always been tied to global trade and commerce. In the early days, counterfeit goods were rare. Many countries enforced rationing or regional control well into the mid-20th century, so there was little room for fake products.
However, things changed in the 1980s and 1990s. Globalization accelerated, and China’s economic reforms, together with booming international trade, created a flood of new products. Unfortunately, counterfeit goods also spread quickly.
From European luxury goods to North American pharmaceuticals and Asian consumer electronics, almost every industry has suffered.
Counterfeits not only harm economies but also damage brand reputation and put consumer safety at risk. In this environment, security labels became a key tool for businesses to fight counterfeiting and maintain customer trust.
Common Types of Security Labels
Today, security labels come in many forms. They can also be customized to meet specific needs. Among them, optical security labels stand out because of their unique technical features. Below are six common types of security labels.
1. Tamper-Evident Labels
Also known as one-time-use labels, these cannot be reused once applied. When someone removes the label, it leaves behind a “VOID,” honeycomb, or custom message, and the label itself breaks apart.
This design ensures that products cannot be resealed or altered. As a result, tamper-evident labels are widely used for packaging seals.
2. RFID Security Labels
RFID labels, sometimes called NFC chip labels, integrate digital management into packaging.
Each RFID label carries a globally unique ID, making it impossible to copy or tamper with. They provide one-to-one authentication and full traceability.
Key applications include:
- Cosmetics, clothing, and footwear to stop counterfeiting and support logistics.
- UHF RFID labels for large packaging, enabling fast stock-in/out and automated counting.
- RFID Labels can be integrated into the windshield labels for vehicle management.
- Consumer verification through NFC-enabled smartphones.
In addition, these labels can be made tamper-proof to stop reuse.
3. Optical Security Labels
Optical security labels are among the most popular solutions. They use nano-embossing technology to control light precisely and create unique visual effects.
- Dynamic 3D effects or color-shifting images appear when tilted.
- Features such as interference patterns or micro text add extra layers of security.
Because of their strong resistance to counterfeiting, optical labels are widely used in food, cosmetics, electronics, auto parts, and more.
4. Fluorescent Security Labels
This hidden feature looks normal under regular light. However, under UV light, it reveals hidden text or images. Fluorescent labels are easy to verify but difficult to replicate. They are common in tickets, pharmaceuticals, and official documents.
5. Variable QR Code Labels
QR codes store product data across production, distribution, and sales. By connecting to a secure database, they provide fast authenticity checks.
- Colored or variable QR codes improve recognition.
- They also support marketing, customer engagement, and sales tracking, not just verification.
6. Barcode + Digital Codes
Barcodes have limited data capacity. Yet, when combined with digital security codes, they still allow logistics tracking and basic authentication. This makes them suitable for products that require a lower level of protection.
Why Multi-Technology Matters
No single technology can fully eliminate counterfeiting. Effective protection comes from combining multiple technologies into a layered defense system. This approach raises the barrier for counterfeiters and makes fake products much harder to produce.
As a professional provider of security solutions, we design tailor-made labels that integrate optical features, tamper-proof designs, RFID chips, and security codes. By doing so, we help brands strengthen protection, safeguard their reputation, and build long-term consumer trust.
