23 Dec What are Tamper Proof Labels?

Labels are a quick, easy and effective way to add some extra security to many items, from important documentation to high value goods. A label can be used not just to securely seal envelopes, folders and packaging but also to increase the security of items by acting as a visual deterrent against tampering and by providing visual evidence that an item has been opened or otherwise damaged.

There are a wide variety of security labels available, including those known as “Tamper Proof Labels”. These labels provide visual evidence that there has been an attempt to tamper with an item.

Most tamper proof labels use easy to tear materials coupled with strong adhesives that cause the label to fragment if somebody tries to remove it. The label is designed to leave pieces of itself behind. This prevents it from being peeled from the surface to which it is attached and re-applied somewhere else. Evidence of tampering with the label is obvious.

Some labels incorporate security slits that become evident when the label is removed. The total absence of these slits in the label indicates that the product has been interfered with or is counterfeit. The exact location and positioning of the slits in the label are nearly impossible to replicate.

Silver void tamper proof labels use adhesives that attach the label to the item that needs protection and will leave a chequer board pattern or ‘VOID’ message on the surface when the label is removed. This leaves a clear indication that a label has been removed whilst also leaving a corresponding clear window on the label so that it cannot be re-used.

It is almost impossible to remove a tamper proof label without leaving some evidence of its existence behind. To do so would be extremely time consuming and difficult to make sure that every part of the label has been removed.

What are tamper proof labels used for?

The possible applications for this product are endless, but they are often used in the medical, manufacturing and software industries.

We’ve given an overview of some of the most common uses below:

• Classified Documents: Many companies and indeed charities deal with sensitive or classified documents, especially those containing client information or business strategies for the future. Keeping these documents away from unauthorized eyes is often a top priority, and the best way to ensure their safety is by applying security seals to folders and cabinets that contain sensitive information. If any attempt is made to view them by an unauthorized person, it will be clear from the tamper-evident feature of any security label.
• Airplane Security: Another high-security area is a passenger airplane. With so many people flying, it’s imperative to the lives and safety of both passengers and crew that a secure environment is maintained. Security labels can be a powerful tool in alerting cabin workers of any unauthorized access to food, cabinets or even important security or electrical panels. Placing security labels in any place cabin passengers should not have access to can maintain a secure and safe environment.
• Vehicle Access: Non-residue security labels can be placed over the seam of vehicle doors, preventing access without removing the label and leaving a VOID message through the seal. These security labels can be applied for newly manufactured vehicles before delivery and for vehicle impoundment to show that a vehicle has not been accessed during its holding period.
• Medicinal Products: Medicinal drugs are both a life-saving and dangerous business, in which security is highly important for the safety of everyone. Safety seals are an important way to guarantee that drug shipments are secured and untampered with when they arrive at their intended destination. With the black market and counterfeit drugs as realistic threats to the pharmaceutical industry, security should be on the minds of anybody in the formal drug industry.
• Laboratory Testing: When conducting clinical trials, disease experiments and blood-work, it is imperative that identification and traceability of vials is ensured. Smaller sized nonresidue labels are a perfect solution as they can be securely marked with a unique identifier and applied between the cap and glass of the vial. Not only does this allow for identifying individual vials, but also provides an easy indication of tampering with samples.
• Computer Hardware: With the introduction of GDPR legislation and public scandals such as Cambridge Analytica, electronic information has become even more sensitive and protected than ever before. Defunct equipment marked for disposal, server and hardware access and confidential hard drives can be securely protected to identify any unauthorised access to equipment.
• Ballot Boxes: Though it may only come around every few years, election day is a high-security process that requires the coordination of thousands of workers, machines, and public voters. Security labels are used to secure ballot boxes during transit to ensure they remain unopened until votes can be securely counted, eliminating the chances of election riggingor fraud.

Talk to us at RGS Labels today to discuss your security needs so that we can provide the best solution for you.