Interpol to launch global register to stop counterfeit cosmetics
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.