TAF Connect 2026 focuses on traceability solutions

The conference began with the official release of the ASPA–CRISIL State of Counterfeiting in India 2025 report, offering data-led intelligence on supply chain vulnerabilities across high-risk sectors. Prior to the launch, two addresses set the tone for the day. Based on 1,639 respondents, it found that 89% of consumers have encountered counterfeit products, while 35% admitted to purchasing one in the past year. Counterfeit purchases, according to the study, have risen 1.8 times in the last 12 months, with online aggregators accounting for 50% of reported sources.

The findings also revealed a troubling gap in consumer awareness. One in four respondents (25%) said they were unaware they had purchased a counterfeit product, while 7% said they had no alternative option. Once a counterfeit was identified, 50% said they would complain, 32% said they would discard the product, and only 10% said they would continue using it.

Sector-wise, the report found the highest prevalence of counterfeit exposure in apparel (34%), followed by consumer durables (31%), pharmaceuticals (28%), and FMCG (25%).

For the packaging community, the report’s implications were immediate and practical. The data reinforced the need for stronger authentication, labelling integrity, packaging design safeguards, and traceability systems across both physical and digital retail channels.

Rajesh Kumar Mishra, IRS, director, Indian Institute of Packaging and additional DGFT Mumbai, spoke about the evolving role of policy and industry collaboration in tackling counterfeiting. In one of the strongest addresses of the session, Rajesh Kumar Mishra, director, Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), and additional DGFT, Mumbai, positioned counterfeiting as an issue that goes well beyond economic loss. He told delegates that counterfeit goods have a direct and dangerous impact on both human and animal health, especially in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, where fake medicines can be life-threatening. His intervention was particularly relevant for a packaging-focused audience because it underscored how authenticity is tied not just to compliance, but to public safety.

Throughout the day, discussions are expected to move beyond awareness towards the implementation of robust authentication and traceability solutions across vulnerable sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture and FMCG. Industry leaders from organisations including Polycab India, Mankind Pharma, UPL, Tata Consumer Products, Mondelez and Amazon India are participating, with the shared goal of transforming India’s supply chains into what many describe as “impenetrable digital fortresses”.

The conference programme includes several focused sessions addressing sector-specific risks and solutions.

The session on Adoption of Authentication and Traceability explores the foundations of safeguarding India’s growth, with participation from industry players including Polycab India, Mankind Pharma and Crystal Crop Protection.

Pharma Without Compromise focuses on technology-driven protection across the pharmaceutical supply chain, addressing risks from manufacturing to the patient, with insights from experts, including representatives from Alembic Pharmaceuticals.

In the agricultural sector, Agri Integrity examines how traceability solutions can strengthen the farm-to-field ecosystem, with contributions from leaders at UPL and Insecticides (India).

Meanwhile, Securing Everyday Essentials investigates strategies to combat FMCG counterfeits through smart packaging and digital technologies. The session features supply chain leaders from Tata Consumer Products and Mondelez (Cadbury India), alongside a presentation on transparency initiatives from Amazon India.

The regulatory dimension is addressed in Standards That Safeguard, a dialogue on policy, compliance and consumer protection featuring a special address from Dr Keshav Kumar.

From covert packaging technologies to digital twin systems and smart traceability platforms, TAF Connect 2026 showcases the next generation of solutions designed to transform India’s supply chains from vulnerable pathways into secure, digitally enabled networks.

Hosted by the Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA), the conference has drawn more than 150 senior stakeholders, including regulators, supply chain specialists and technology providers. The event is positioned as a platform not only to highlight the scale of the counterfeiting challenge but also to accelerate the deployment of authentication and traceability technologies across industries.