In a bid to enhance imported wine authenticity and traceability, the Shanghai Free Trade Zone (FTZ) has established a radio frequency identification (RFID) based anti-counterfeiting system, Xinhuanet.com reported.

The system has been applied to the imported wine industry by Shanghai Waigaoqiao International Exhibition and Trading Center of Wine & Beverage (IWC). It aims to help achieve regulatory and anti-counterfeiting technology upgrades. The system is expected to be fully promoted among the memberships of IWC later this year. Also, it will be exhibited in traditional retail chains.

After the declaration of imported wine, RFID tags with product origins and importer information will be attached to the bottles. By scanning the RFID code, inspection and quarantine departments and retailers will be able to track the sales process and identify the authenticity of imported wine products.

“RFID technology is different from traditional QR code technology. RFID allows reading of a high capacity of information from a long distance. It is convenient for wine warehouse logistics and inspections,” said Zeng Yucheng, secretary of the Pudong entry-exit and quarantine bureau. He said that the RFID tags can’t be reused, which also improves security.

“However, QR codes are still a reliable technology for consumers. Consumers can use mobile phones to scan the QR code when they shop for imported wine products. Information such as producing countries and importers will be all clear,” Zeng added.