How to Spec Security Labels and Tamper-Evident Tags

Quick answer

Specify security labels by defining the tamper evidence you need, the application surface, the removal behavior, and how your team will verify authenticity. “Security sticker” is too vague: a destructible label, VOID transfer label, serialized tag, and hologram solve different risks.

Start with the threat

Identify whether you need to show opening, deter label transfer, support field authentication, track units, or combine several controls. Match the feature to the risk and inspection point. A decorative hologram alone may not reveal package opening or prevent label reuse.

Tamper-evidence options

VOID or residue-transfer labels reveal removal; destructible films break apart; seal labels bridge caps and containers; tear-perforated tags show access. Define the evidence pattern, whether residue is acceptable, and if the label must survive humidity, refrigeration, abrasion, or cleaning chemicals.

Substrate and adhesive fit

Bottle, carton, metal, glass, textured paper, and low-energy plastics need different adhesives. State application temperature, cure time before handling, and removal conditions. Security performance must be tested on the actual substrate and any coatings, not on a supplier’s generic test panel.

Serialization and authentication

If using serial numbers, QR codes, scratch panels, or databases, specify data format, uniqueness, print contrast, scan method, and reconciliation process. Protect serialization files and define who may access them. A code that cannot be scanned in the field is not an effective security control.

Sampling and acceptance

Approve samples for placement, evidence visibility, adhesion, attempted removal, print readability, and aging under relevant conditions. Set defect rules for missing, duplicate, or unreadable codes. Require lot traceability and controlled destruction or return of excess serialized material.

RFQ fields

Threat/use case and required tamper-evidence behavior

Application surface, temperature, exposure, removal rules

Substrate, adhesive, size, color, and evidence pattern

Serialization/QR/hologram features and data-handling process

Test samples, quantity, security packing, Incoterms

Related PackTrades Knowledge

Bottle Label Face Stock and Adhesive Selection Guide, How to Source Plastic Buckets and Jars from China, How to Request Packaging Samples from China Factories, How to Evaluate Custom Packaging Suppliers in China.