Interpol to launch global register to stop counterfeit cosmetics

Published: 26-Jul-2012

New service will enable retailers to search for counterfeit products


Global police agency Interpol is developing a service enabling customs officers and retailers to identify counterfeit personal care products using the internet and smart phones. A prototype has been built by Interpol with Google Ideas.

It is a global database of security features such as tax stamps and holograms. Customs, trading standards officers and retailers could search with an internet-based application, entering product details or scanning a code via mobile phone cameras. Positive results would suggest the product legitimacy; negative ones, illegitimacy.

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