Brand Protection in Global Logistics: New Technologies for Detecting Counterfeits at Customs
Combating counterfeits is now a shared responsibility of brands and global supply chains. At customs checkpoints, AI, IoT sensors and QR–RFID tracking systems have brought origin checks to the…
Global supply chain • Brand protection • IoT security
Combating counterfeits is now a shared responsibility of brands and global supply chains. At customs checkpoints, AI, IoT sensors and QR–RFID tracking systems have brought origin checks to the level of instant verification. These technologies let brands detect counterfeits before they cross the border.
B10 CounterShield™ • 2025 • Reading time: ~8 minutes
1. A new era at customs: intelligent scanning technologies
International customs authorities now detect counterfeiting using IoT sensors and data-stream-based systems rather than conventional barcode checks. These systems:
- Verify product identity with RFID / NFC,
- Track IoT data such as temperature, pressure and location in real time,
- Match the product to its origin certificate recorded on the blockchain.
“The fight against counterfeits now starts on the production line, before the container door.”
2. QR + RFID integration: two-layer verification
Brands provide two layers of protection against counterfeiting by combining a QR code with an RFID tag on product packaging:
- The QR code provides a visible identity for end-user verification,
- The RFID tag provides contactless, concealed tracking during production, storage and customs clearance.
3. Cargo tracking with IoT sensors
IoT sensors on each container or pallet:
- 📡 Transmit location information through GPS and cellular networks,
- 🌡️ Record storage conditions through temperature and humidity measurements,
- 🔒 Trigger alarms for unauthorised opening or jolting.
This protects both product safety and logistics chain integrity.
"Every sensor becomes a digital eye of the brand."
4. AI-assisted border control
New AI systems at customs can detect suspicious products by analysing container contents using X-ray images, tag data and commercial invoice information. These systems:
- Match against original product photos using visual similarity scores,
- Detect suspicious labels or colour differences,
- Automatically refer risky shipments for inspection.
5. Customs certification with blockchain
Blockchain-based systems document every stage from production to shipment in immutable records. As a result:
- Every verification is recorded with a timestamp,
- Unauthorised data changes become impossible,
- Customs agencies confirm the actual origin of the product in a matter of seconds.
“Blockchain is logistics’ digital customs seal.”
6. Real-time monitoring dashboards
New monitoring panels developed for global brands show cargo flows around the world on a single map:
- 📍 Cargo status at each location (active / pending / risky)
- ⚠️ Warning of suspicious movement or deviation from course
- 🧠 AI-based estimated arrival time and risk percentage
7. International cooperation and regulations
Organisations such as WCO (World Customs Organization) and Interpol work together to standardise the technologies brands use to combat counterfeiting worldwide. In particular:
- ISO 22383 (product counterfeiting prevention) standard,
- GS1 Digital Link infrastructure,
- European Union “Anti-Counterfeit Customs Initiative” framework
As of 2025, these standards may require brands to request a digital origin protocol from their global logistics partners.
“Brand security is now measured by traceability at every link in the logistics chain.”
Reduce counterfeit risk in global logistics to zero.
B10 CounterShield™ and GlobalTrack™ secure your brand’s entire supply chain with tracking systems that combine QR, RFID and IoT.
Sources and related documents
These documents provide references for the methods and rules discussed in this article.