Counterfeit & unauthorised opening protection for medicines & pharmaceutical packaging

Tamper-evident labels from HERMA open up a wide range of possibilities for providing medicines and other packaging with proof that the package has not been opened by an unauthorised person (tamper-evident) – in a particularly economical way. Regulation 2016/161/EU obligates pharmaceutical manufacturers to place such anti-tampering security features on their prescription-only medicinal products.

Pharmacies may only dispense medicines to patients if the packages have an appropriate tamper-proof seal as protection and proof of authenticity. This ensures that no changes (which could harm the patient) have been made to the finished medicinal product.

During the testing of manufactured medicinal products, the packaging may nevertheless be opened and tested by the pharmacist; dispensing to the patient is then still possible with a relevant note from the pharmacy.

Protection against the unauthorised opening of packages

The final adhesive strength of HERMA tamper evident labels is very powerful, so sealing labels equipped with this adhesion can neither be removed from dispersion-varnished folding boxes nor from many other polar and non-polar surfaces such as paper, cardboard and even plastics and steel, without being destroyed or leaving visible residues on the surface. This ensures effective protection against the unauthorised opening of medicines.

Counterfeit protection through security features

Punched security perforations in the label can further enhance counterfeit protection for drugs. The security labels connect the tuck-in flaps firmly to the package body, providing proof of product authenticity and clear evidence if the seal has been broken. Any attempt to open it will destroy the label.

Flexible and pliable

The label material (usually transparent PE or PP film) is exceptionally flexible and pliable – ideal for small radii and labelling around corners. The labels can be optionally equipped with additional security perforations for particularly difficult surfaces. The transparent, glossy material neither covers the information on the package nor does it interfere with the brand image.

Very hard-wearing and reliable

The adhesive on HERMA tamper-evident labels is highly resistant to water, solvents and hot air. Tampering using hot-air blowers is impossible. This adhesive is also very resistant to ageing. The adhesive is approved for direct contact on dry and damp surfaces.

Cost-effective labelling

Costly special materials like self-destructing films, holograms, cellophane wrappers, VOID solutions and completely new folding box designs are no longer required. Just one sealing label variant can be used with an abundance of packaging materials and on numerous different surfaces. Suitable for all standard tuck-in flaps, no need to alter the folding box’s design.

Safe processing – with the right system: labelling machine plus labels from HERMA

HERMA offers you sealing labels and labelling systems in a modular design for integration into your packaging lines. Attaching tamper-evident labels tamper-evident labels requires a high degree of precision. The labels, which are usually very small, must be attached to the side of the tuck-in flap in such a way that they protrude by about half their length up and down beyond the body of the folding box. A folding rail first ‘irons’ the two unattached parts of the label through 90 degrees. Foam rollers then press the labels against the surface, permanently attaching the tuck-in flap to the body of the folding box. The machine is equipped with sensors which check the placement of the tamper-evident label and reject any defective cartons. Labels can also be given special features to facilitate the inspection process, such as luminophore varnish.