Trade body urges counterfeit caution amid fake COVID-19 tests

Rise in fake COVID-19 tests means firms should consider new measures, says IHMA.

The International Hologram Manufacturing Association (IHMA) is counselling vigilance among manufacturers and supply chains, urging firms to review how they tackle counterfeit threats by considering authentication and verification technologies.

Dr Paul Dunn, the association's Chair, says, “Covid continues to present opportunities for criminals, who are infiltrating global supply channels, deploying scams and counterfeiting measures to trick consumers and damage manufacturers. Furthermore, items such as falsified medicines and test kits can pose a terrible threat and can endanger lives.

According to The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) incidents of fraudulent Covid-19 test certificates being sold illegally are rising as travel restrictions take hold due to the pandemic.

A large number of countries now require proof that travellers are free of the virus while crossing borders. It means passengers must present documentation showing a negative returned test before continuing passage, providing an opportunity for counterfeit paperwork to meet growing demand.