Holography trade body welcomes India initiative

Moves to introduce security holograms on alcohol bottles in parts of India as authorities clamp down on smuggling and sales of illicit alcohol have been welcomed by the trade body representing the global hologram industry.

The International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA) says the Jammu and Kashmir Excise Department’s initiative is a significant step forward in the battle against counterfeiters in the sub-continent, but wants all states to quickly adopt the technology.

The move follows strong promotion of tax stamps which feature security holograms by the Hologram Manufacturers Association of India (HoMAI) – an IHMA partner.

It sends a clear signal that combating the counterfeiters and smugglers remains a high priority and that protecting consumers from illegal and dangerous fake products is paramount, says the IHMA.

However, the IHMA says more has to be done and despite the fact that several states use holo-stamps, it is urging all the country’s excise and revenue authorities to look at the benefits of introducing holograms in an effort to tackle India’s chronic alcohol problem.

Illicit or toxic alcohol leads to hundreds of deaths a year while costing the authorities millions of rupees in medical treatment and lost tax revenue.

Security holograms on liquor bottles in the Indian state will ensure quality and check smuggled and illicit liquor and means bottles not displaying security holograms will be seized and destroyed. The security hologram will be on the tax stamp, next to the stamp’s serial number.

The IHMA says the move reinforces the hologram’s position as a pre-eminent security feature in the global anti-counterfeiting fight.

According to statistics from the Hologram Manufactures Association of India (HOMAI) more than 17 states and UT use security hologram on liquor bottles.

Mandated use of hologram in these places has not only minimized the tragedies due to spurious liquor, but has also substantially increased the excise revenue collection by more than 25-30 percent.

Ian Lancaster, IHMA general secretary, said: ‘The Jammu and Kashmir Excise Department’s initiative has to be welcomed. It reinforces holography’s key role as a highly effective, highly flexible weapon in the ongoing battle to thwart counterfeiters and fraudsters.

‘All involved in the supply chain – manufacturers, distributors, consumers, tax authorities – will be reassured by the presence of holograms on products and recognize the benefits they provide.  

‘Holography appears to have a strong future as a versatile and durable security technology for tackling criminal and social problems in countries like in India.’

Click here for more about the IHMA on L&L.com.