---
type: "WebPage"
title: "Laboratory analysis of counterfeit goods"
description: "Counterfeit analysis: in-depth and comprehensive investigation of suspected counterfeiting What is a counterfeit? Counterfeiting refers to the partial or total reproduction or imitation of a product or chemical formulation. In the case of an industrial good, it refers to deception..."
resource: "https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd/benchmark-rd-customised-tests/laboratory-analysis-counterfeit-goods/"
tags: ["EN", "pll_612648cd03090", "Anaïs DECAUX"]
timestamp: "2026-04-23T06:21:03Z"
published: "2021-08-25T13:42:36Z"
language: "en"
author: "bwa"
---

# Laboratory analysis of counterfeit goods

##

Counterfeit analysis: in-depth and comprehensive investigation of suspected counterfeiting

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What is a counterfeit?

Counterfeiting refers to the partial or total reproduction or imitation of a product or [chemical formulation](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/chemical-analysis-laboratory.md). In the case of an industrial good, it refers to deception aimed at creating confusion between the characteristics of the original good (packaging, container, formulation, etc.) and the counterfeit product (chemical formulation, raw material, etc.).

Today, counterfeiting affects several industrial sectors, such as the [pharmaceutical industry](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/analysis-industry-pharmaceuticals.md) (over 10% of medicines in circulation are said to be counterfeit), cosmetics, luxury goods and, more generally, the production of materials or chemical substances.

### Our counterfeit research expertise

The expertise of our team at the FILAB laboratory helps you to answer even the most complex technical questions when investigating counterfeit products.

Our analytical laboratory is able to examine counterfeits in all types of industries, from raw materials to finished products, including :

### Industries

Pharmaceuticals

Chemical

Cosmetics

Materials

Thanks to our specialists and cutting-edge analytical techniques, we can identify suspect components in counterfeit products,**and analyse the possible presence of harmful substances** or the [absence of essential active ingredients](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/health-pharmaceutical-cosmetics/laboratory-analysis-api.md), in order to provide concrete evidence **to confirm a counterfeit.**

### Our counterfeit analysis services

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 ![Analyser et déterminer](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Analyser-et-determiner.svg) Analysis of chemical composition ![Contrôler](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Controler.svg) Analysis of traces of harmful substances ![labo](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/labo-1.svg) Expert appraisal of the packaging or container The pharmaceutical industry, luxury goods, cosmetics... many sectors have a need for counterfeit research.
## Our technical resources for counterfeit analysis

 Our technical resources to help you study and analyse counterfeit products in the laboratory. [### Scanning Electron Microscope

SEM-EDX, SEM-EBSD, SEM-FIB, SEM-FEG, SEM-EDS](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-sem-scanning-electron-microscopy.md) [### Gas Chromatography

GC-MS, GC-MS/MS, GC-FID](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-gcms.md) [### Atomic Force Microscopy

AFM](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/atomic-force-microscopy-afm-laboratory.md) [### ICP

ICP-MS, ICP-MS/MS, ICP-AES](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-icp-icp-ms-icp-aes.md)
## FAQ

 How is a counterfeit identified and analyzed?
From the reception of materials through the production line to the final product, the increase in counterfeiting is leading industrial companies to strengthen their expertise in the composition and traceability of their products.

To assess a product's compliance with its labeling, the support of an analytical laboratory will allow for the detection of fraudulent or harmful substances, their quantification, and the establishment of a comprehensive assessment concluding or denying the product's authenticity.

 What are the risks of using counterfeit industrial or pharmaceutical goods?
Counterfeit goods often lack essential active ingredients or contain harmful substances, such as heavy metals or unauthorized chemical residues. In sectors like **pharmaceuticals** and **medical devices**, this can pose severe toxicological risks or lead to total product failure during operation.

 Can FILAB detect counterfeiting in chemical formulations?
Yes. Through **chemical composition analysis** and **deformulation** (reverse engineering), FILAB can identify the raw materials and additives used in a formulation. This helps confirm whether a product follows the patented or registered chemical signature of the authentic manufacturer.

 Why is packaging analysis important in counterfeit investigations?
Packaging is often the first indicator of counterfeiting. We analyze the physical and chemical properties of the container, marking inks, and adhesives. This allows us to detect subtle differences in polymer quality or the migration of substances that are not present in original packaging.

 What type of evidence does a counterfeit analysis report provide?
FILAB provides a detailed technical report that serves as scientific evidence. It includes quantitative data on ingredients, identification of any contaminants, and a final expert conclusion regarding the product's compliance with its labeling and official standards.

 How does FILAB support the pharmaceutical industry against counterfeiting?
FILAB provides specialized services for the **pharmaceutical sector**, where over 10% of medicines in circulation are estimated to be counterfeit. Our laboratory verifies the concentration of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), identifies unknown impurities (such as **nitrosamines**), and ensures compliance with international safety standards