TN liquor bottles to have 3-D hologram, QR code to prevent illegal sale

While the Commissionerate of Prohibition and Excise in the State had introduced the system of fixing holograms on liquor bottles manufactured in distilleries and imported from outside in 2004 to prevent evasion of duty by distillery owners, the bottles came with outdated holograms that could easily be tampered with. A senior official from Tasmac, told DT Next, that the hologram labels will have QR Code of a minimum size of 8mm x 8mm printed at minimum 600 DPI resolution on both ends, which could be easily readable through mobile phone, 2D bar code scanner and hand-held devices.

The Excise Department move came against the backdrop of the proliferation of local illegal liquor manufacturers, who produce the liquor under authorised company brands. “Therefore, even consumers could scan the bar code provided in the bottle and get all the information including company name, manufacturing date and government’s authenticate certificate,” he said, adding hologram stickers add value to products and protect the brand identity at all levels.

Stating that the holograms, which will be in their state-of-art format, will also be equipped with a tracking facility, the official added that authorities could hence ascertain the movement of the liquor stock and also the timing of transportation of the goods.

“The shelf life of the hologram will be for a minimum of three years without any deformation or deterioration in normal atmospheric conditions,” he added.

Pointing out that implementing the 3-D hologram with features in the liquor bottle was discussed in several meetings and worked upon for about three months, he said a company would soon be selected to manufacture and supply the holograms perhaps from December.