Blockchain-Powered Product Authentication and Counterfeit Detection Using QR Code Technology

The trend of counterfeit or replica products is becoming an issue in several industries including pharmaceuticals, fashion, electronics, etc. Because of this, a secure and transparent way to check the authenticity of these types of products is required. The system proposed in this paper implements product authentication, based on blockchain technology and QR code technology for instant verification of the legitimacy of a product. The system allows manufacturers to register their products on a secure and tamper-proof blockchain ledger. Once registered, each item is assigned a unique QR code. For shoppers or retailers wanting confirmation and disclosure on a product, scanning the QR code displays legitimacy, confirmed against the blockchain ledger. The system has a role based access control model, allowing secure interaction between manufacturers, retailers and admins. The QR code scanner app also provides scan history, re-verify, and review functionality for users that want to leave feedback about the verification practice. We believe this software approach provides full transparency, effective traceability, and trust, greatly reducing the chance or risk of counterfeit product, or replica product distribution in the supply chain.