ASPA to unveil State of Counterfeiting report

The Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA) will host TAF Connect 2026 — Trust. Track. Transform., a one-day conference focused on strengthening authentication and traceability solutions across high-risk sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture and FMCG. The event is scheduled for 16 March 2026 at the Novotel Mumbai International Airport and is expected to bring together over 150 senior stakeholders from industry, regulatory bodies and technology providers.

Positioned as a knowledge and networking platform, the conference will address the growing threat of counterfeiting, adulteration and supply-chain vulnerabilities. The agenda includes sector-specific panel discussions, regulatory and policy dialogues, technical sessions and solution showcases aimed at helping brand owners transition from awareness to implementation.

A key highlight of the event will be the launch of the ASPA–CRISIL ‘State of Counterfeiting in India 2025’ report, developed in collaboration with CRISIL. The report is expected to present sector-level insights, risk assessments and data-led intelligence to help stakeholders design more effective anti-counterfeiting strategies and improve supply-chain visibility.

Industry participation remains strong, with Mankind Pharma and Crystal Crop Protection supporting the initiative as national consumer trust and safety partners. Their involvement highlights the increasing role of brand owners in investing in secure packaging, track-and-trace technologies and consumer verification systems to combat fake and diverted products.

According to ASPA, the conference will showcase solutions ranging from overt and covert packaging technologies to digital authentication and smart traceability platforms. The event will also feature exhibition booths by authentication and traceability solution providers, enabling brand owners to explore implementation-ready technologies.

The conference marks ASPA’s first event in Mumbai and reflects the city’s growing importance as a hub for manufacturing, supply-chain operations and brand decision-making. By hosting the event in western India, the association aims to strengthen collaboration between solution providers, brand custodians and regulators.

The initiative is supported by industry bodies including CropLife India and the Irrigation Association of India, reinforcing its cross-sector relevance. ASPA has invited regulators, packaging professionals and brand leaders to participate in discussions aimed at building trusted and transparent supply chains in India.