Despite a global recovery in alcohol consumption and robust growth in UK alcohol exports, one challenge remains persistent: counterfeit alcohol. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In early March 2024, HMRC, in collaboration with UK law enforcement, seized the equivalent of 132,000 pints of suspected illicit beer at Cairnryan Port during a single operation part of a broader illicit alcohol market estimated at around \u00a31 billion per year in lost tax revenue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interpol\u2019s OPSON XI operation (2022) alone confiscated nearly 14.8 million litres of illicit alcoholic drinks across Europe, with major seizures reported in multiple countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fake alcohol often contains toxic adulterants such as methanol (found in antifreeze), chloroform, or nail varnish remover which can lead to blindness, neurological damage, coma, or even death shortly after ingestion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Combatting Counterfeits: From Awareness to Laser Technology <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consumers are advised to:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n But technology delivers the strongest defence especially coding and marking solutions:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Laser marking is a preferred option for its ability to:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Support both overt codes<\/strong> (visible serials, logos, 2D codes) and covert markings<\/strong> (UV\/IR-readable inks) for multi-layer security<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Laser Marking Solutions: The Modern Frontline<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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