Counterfeit consumer products are everywhere, and while many are somewhat innocuous, others can be downright dangerous.  X-ray inspection technology has long been used in detecting counterfeit electronic components, and now major brands, retailers and e-tailers are deploying this technology in combating fakes.  But none of them are calling on Superman for help.  While his powers include X-ray vision, they don’t include automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to rapidly identify counterfeits.  Those superpowers reside with Creative Electron.

• X-ray + automation + AI
• Validate 3^rd party inventory
• Eliminate returns backlog

Three superpowers in one

The costs associated with counterfeit consumer products are huge, and robust counterfeit abatement can result in significant savings for those who employ the right technology.  In addition to lost sales, brands and retailers can suffer reputational losses when counterfeits flood the markets with substandard goods.  Platforms that support 3rd party sellers can see consumer trust erode when fake products are distributed under their umbrella.  Inspecting products, especially high value items is essential to keeping counterfeits from reaching consumers.  Automated X-ray inspection with AI is the most powerful tool available for efficient and effective counterfeit interdiction.

3rd party accountability

With footwear being the top counterfeited item, it’s no surprise that brands like Nike are taking up the fight against fakes.  Nike briefly attempted to reign in 3rd party sellers on Amazon by selling directly on the sight.  That effort failed and in January of 2022, Nike filed a lawsuit in federal court to curb the distribution of counterfeits by 3rd party sellers on sights like Amazon and eBay.  Pressure is increasing to carefully authenticate products distributed by 3rd party sellers on platforms like Amazon, eBay, and StockX.  Automated X-ray inspection with AI empowered image comparison is the most advance technology available to hold 3rd party seller accountable for the products they sell.

Of course, it’s not only sneakers that are being faked.  With some counterfeit products the stakes are a bit higher.  Substandard consumer electronics can be downright dangerous at times, particularly when their failures cause fires.  Counterfeit luxury goods rarely cause injuries, but can really bruise the ego when exposed.

 Returns backlog and fraud

Fake products can also enter the supply chain through returns fraud.  Authentic product is purchased and counterfeits returned in their place.  This is especially costly for sellers of luxury goods.  X-ray inspection in an important part of the authentication process for some resellers of designer handbags, high-end watches, and other premium consumer products.  With the easy availability of carefully crafted “replicas” (read fakes) returns must be carefully authenticated as well.  For online retailers especially, returns volume can cause huge backlogs that result in refunds being issued before items can be inspected.  That’s why the leaders in e-commerce have adopted automated, inline X-ray inspection for processing and validating returns.

Learn more about how Creative Electron’s industry leading X-ray inspection systems are helping in the fight against counterfeiting.  Reach out today to discuss your authentication needs.