GS1 pairs with Philippines' CCIP on fake cosmetics fight

GS1 Philippines and the Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP) have joined forces to encourage the use of barcodes to combat fake cosmetic products.

The initiative has been promoted through a series of seminars aimed at representatives from various cosmetics companies in the country, and promoting the adoption of 2D datamatrix codes.

In a statement, GS1 Philippines said the barcode technology is important for the cosmetics industry amid high sales of counterfeit products as it can step up product authenticity and visibility in the supply chain.

"The country's cosmetic industry is worth over $1bn, and demand continues to grow," said GS1 Philippines corporate secretary Anna Marie Anastacio, a former president of the CCIP. "At CCIP, we aim to enhance the industry's global competitiveness by ensuring product authenticity, providing comprehensive product information, and combating counterfeit products, all of which are crucial for consumer confidence."

The seminars included presentations on tackling the latest trends and technologies in the global supply chain, the benefits of integrating legitimate and streamlined barcode systems in cosmetics and personal care products, and the global migration to 2D barcodes.

“The beauty and personal care market in the Philippines is projected to generate $6.47bn in revenue in 2024, with an annual growth rate estimated at 1.32 per cent until 2028,” GS1 said.

“However, the cosmetics industry faces significant challenges, notably the prevalence of counterfeit products," it added pointing to a recent incident in which banned beauty products were spotted on sake at local shops in Taguig City, including some skin-lightening items that were found on analysis to have high levels of mercury.

Exposure to mercury in fake cosmetics can be detrimental to people’s health, as it can have toxic effects on the nervous system, digestive and immune systems, lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes.

In another case in 2021, counterfeit MAC lipsticks on sale in the Philippines were found to have "extremely high" levels of lead.

Lead exposure in women may result in hormonal changes, menstrual irregularities, infertility, miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, pregnancy hypertension, premature birth, low birth weight, and other birth defects.