New Delhi : The Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA), the leading industry body dedicated to anti-counterfeiting and traceability, presented a thought leadership paper titled “ASPA – The Global Voice of Anti-Counterfeiting Solutions” at the ASIA Security Conference & Exhibition on Anti-Counterfeiting, Illicit Trade & Brand Protection, held on July 24, 2025, in New Delhi.
The presentation was delivered by Mr. Puneet Maithani, Director – Industry Affairs, ASPA, and outlined the Association’s strategic roadmap, international engagement, brand-owner collaborations, and multi-sectoral initiatives to combat counterfeiting through a unified, multi-stakeholder approach. His address emphasized the importance of a unified, multi-stakeholder approach to strengthen the fight against illicit trade. Speaking at the conference, Mr. Puneet Maithani said, “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.”
With a network of 92 member companies, ASPA continues to strengthen its global presence marked by the launch of its Middle East Chapter in 2024 and offers a comprehensive suite of physical, digital, and phygital authentication solutions.
Key Insights from ASPA-CRISIL Report and Ongoing Research
A central highlight of the session was the presentation of 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.
Each sector faces distinct challenges from counterfeit medicines risking public health, to fake auto parts endangering safety, and fraudulent agro-inputs threatening agricultural productivity. The infiltration of counterfeit goods has deep implications for consumer trust, brand integrity, and economic resilience.
ASPA 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.
Driving Sectoral Engagement and Industry Thought Leadership
The paper also highlighted ASPA’s continued contributions to strengthening the authentication ecosystem through knowledge sharing and industry engagement, including:
• Six successful editions of the Traceability & Authentication Forum, facilitating dialogue between industry and government stakeholders
• The Authentication Times, ASPA’s flagship publication featuring expert insights, market trends, and case studies
• The ASPA Supplier Directory 2024, offering verified access to trusted solution providers
• CNR (Counterfeit News Repository) – a long-term initiative tracking counterfeiting incidents reported in Indian media, which have increased by 18.5% between 2018 and 2024
These initiatives reinforce ASPA’s leadership in shaping anti-counterfeiting strategies through insight, advocacy, and innovation. With continued partnerships and a growing global footprint, ASPA remains focused on building secure and transparent supply chains. As counterfeiting threats evolve, the Association continues to equip stakeholders with the knowledge, tools, and collaboration needed to safeguard consumers and protect brand value both in India and globally.
