The Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA), the leading industry body dedicated to anti-counterfeiting and traceability, has emphasised the importance of a unified, multi-stakeholder approach to strengthen the fight against illicit trade.

The associated presented a thought leadership paper titled “ASPA - The Global Voice of Anti-Counterfeiting Solutions” at the ASIA Security Conference and Exhibition on Anti-Counterfeiting, Illicit Trade and Brand Protection, recently held in New Delhi.

Delivering the presentation, Puneet Maithani, Director – Industry Affairs, ASPA, outlined the association’s strategic roadmap, international engagement, brand-owner collaborations, and multi-sectoral initiatives to combat counterfeiting through a unified, multi-stakeholder approach.

“Our collective mission must be to safeguard consumers, protect brands, and uphold trust. Through evidence-based research, collaboration, and the adoption of authentication technologies, we can build a future where counterfeiting is no longer a silent threat,” Maithani said.

The association also presented findings from the ASPA–CRISIL “State of Counterfeiting in India 2022” report. The study mapped the extent and impact of counterfeiting across high-risk sectors, including pharmaceuticals, FMCG, consumer durables, agro-products, apparel, and automotive.

The report found that each sector faces distinct challenges from counterfeit medicines risking public health, to fake auto parts endangering safety, and fraudulent agro-inputs threatening agricultural productivity.

ASPA noted that the infiltration of counterfeit goods has deep implications for consumer trust, brand integrity, and economic resilience.

The association also announced the renewal of its partnership with CRISIL to develop the 2025 edition of the report.

“The upcoming version will offer a comparative analysis with 2022 data, enabling policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders to track trends and measure progress in curbing illicit trade,” it said.

In 2024, ASPA launched its Middle East Chapter, further strengthening its global presence. With a network of 92 member companies, it offers a comprehensive suite of physical, digital, and phygital authentication solutions.