FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions — Tamper Evident Labels & Security Stickers | Intertronix

Choosing the Right Security Label

5 questions
  • 1 What is the best security label for my products?

    The best security label depends on four key factors: your product's surface type, the level of tamper evidence required, whether you also need authentication (proof the product is genuine), and your budget and volume.

    • Need to show a product hasn't been opened? → VOID tamper evident label
    • Need a label that destroys itself on removal? → Destructible vinyl label
    • Need to prove a product is genuine AND show tampering? → Holographic security label
    • Need supply chain visibility or asset tracking? → Serialized or barcoded tamper evident label
    • Sealing food containers or delivery packaging? → Food tamper seal
    Use our Application Chart to match label types to surfaces and use cases, or contact our team for a free needs assessment.
  • 2 What is the difference between a VOID label and a destructible label?

    A VOID label transfers the word "VOID" — or a checkerboard pattern — permanently onto both the substrate and the label backing when peeled. The mark remains on the surface even if a new label is placed on top, making tampering impossible to conceal.

    A destructible label is made from ultra-fragile vinyl or paper facestock that shatters into small fragments when anyone attempts to peel it. It cannot be removed in one piece, making transfer or reuse impossible. No pattern is left on the surface — the physical destruction of the label itself is the tamper indicator.

    Choose VOID when you want visible evidence left on the substrate. Choose destructible when the substrate must not be marked, but the label itself must not be transferable — such as electronics warranty seals placed over screw holes.

  • 3 What is the difference between a tamper evident label and a holographic security label?

    A tamper evident label is designed primarily to reveal unauthorized access — when peeled, it shows a VOID pattern or physically destroys itself, making tampering permanently visible.

    A holographic security label does both simultaneously: it provides tamper evidence AND product authentication. The laser-diffractive holographic foil proves a product is genuine — it produces a three-dimensional visual effect that is extremely difficult to replicate without specialized origination equipment. Use holographic labels when you need consumers, retailers, or inspectors to be able to verify authenticity visually in seconds, in addition to detecting tampering.

  • 4 What is a non-residue security label and when should I use one?

    A non-residue security label uses an adhesive that leaves no sticky residue, pattern, or ghost mark on the surface after removal. However, the label itself is destroyed or visibly damaged on removal — so tampering is still evident, but the substrate is left clean.

    Non-residue labels are ideal for applications where the substrate surface must remain pristine after the label is removed — such as high-gloss electronics packaging, medical device housings, or retail packaging where residue would be unacceptable to the end customer. They are also used in rental or lease equipment scenarios where items change hands regularly.

  • 5 How do I choose between metallic, clear, and holographic label materials?
    • Metallic (silver) labels: High-strength facestock ideal for electronics, industrial equipment, and asset tracking. Visible and professional-looking. Tears apart or shows VOID on removal.
    • Clear (transparent) labels: Nearly invisible on the substrate — the product or packaging shows through. Preferred for retail and food packaging where aesthetics matter. Shows VOID pattern or tears on removal.
    • Holographic labels: Highest security level. The iridescent 3D optical effect is immediately visible and nearly impossible to replicate. Available with VOID break patterns, UV ink, and custom printing. Best for anti-counterfeiting and brand authentication.
    Request a free sample pack to compare materials on your specific product before ordering in bulk.

How Security Labels Work

4 questions
  • 6 What are tamper evident labels and how do they work?

    Tamper evident labels are adhesive security seals engineered to leave a visible, permanent mark when someone attempts to peel or remove them. The key feature is that once tampered with, the label cannot be cleanly reapplied — making any unauthorized access immediately and permanently detectable.

    The three main tamper mechanisms are:

    • VOID pattern transfer: A special adhesive and facestock construction causes the word "VOID" or a checkerboard to transfer to both the substrate and the label backing on removal
    • Physical destruction: Destructible vinyl or ultra-fragile paper shatters into fragments when peeled, making removal or transfer impossible
    • Delamination: The label separates into layers, leaving residue or a hidden message exposed on the substrate and rendering the label impossible to reuse
  • 7 Can tamper evident labels be resealed after being removed?

    No. This is the fundamental property of tamper evident technology. Once a tamper evident label has been removed or disturbed, it cannot be resealed or reapplied to hide the tampering.

    Even if the label appears to be physically re-closed, the VOID pattern permanently left on the substrate, the destroyed facestock fragments, or the delaminated residue will always remain as visible evidence of tampering. These marks cannot be cleaned off or concealed with a replacement label — the substrate itself retains the evidence.

  • 8 What does "delaminating" mean in a security label context?

    A delaminating security label is constructed from two or more bonded layers. When someone attempts to remove it, the layers separate (delaminate) rather than coming off the substrate cleanly. The result is that part of the label — typically the face layer — tears away, while the adhesive and a base layer remain stuck to the surface, leaving a permanent mark that cannot be removed without visible damage.

    Delaminating labels are often used in combination with holographic foils, hidden VOID patterns, or covert UV features embedded between the layers — creating a multi-layer security system where tampering triggers multiple simultaneous indicators.

  • 9 What are overt vs. covert security features on a label?

    Overt security features are visible to the naked eye without any tools — holographic foils, VOID patterns, color-shifting inks, and 3D visual effects. They allow consumers, retailers, and inspectors to verify authenticity instantly. They also act as a deterrent: counterfeiters actively avoid products with visible high-security features.

    Covert security features are hidden and require special equipment to detect — UV-fluorescent inks visible only under ultraviolet light, microtext at sub-1mm scale, embedded security fibers, and chemical sensitization markers. They are used by brand owners, customs officials, and law enforcement to authenticate products during investigations or audits.

    The strongest brand protection labels combine both on a single label — overt features for front-line authentication and covert features for verified inspection.


Holographic Security Labels

3 questions
  • 10 What is a holographic security label and why is it hard to counterfeit?

    A holographic security label incorporates a laser-diffractive optical foil — a surface engineered at the microscopic level with specific patterns that diffract light into a vivid, three-dimensional visual effect. The equipment required to originate a genuine security hologram master plate (called an origination system) is extremely rare, costly, and tightly controlled by a very small number of specialized manufacturers worldwide.

    This makes it economically impractical for counterfeiters to replicate a genuine security hologram at scale. It is important to distinguish between a decorative hologram (a simple repeating pattern easily copied) and a security hologram (originated from a unique master plate with covert features, complex layering, and forensic elements). Intertronix's TamperMax® labels are true security holograms.

    When further customized with company-specific logos, unique serial numbers, UV covert ink, and a VOID break pattern that destroys the foil on removal, they create a multi-layer authentication system that defeats both visual inspection fraud and physical counterfeiting.

  • 11 What is a TamperMax® holographic label?

    TamperMax® is Intertronix's proprietary line of high-security holographic tamper evident labels. TamperMax® labels combine a genuine laser-diffractive holographic foil with a VOID break pattern construction — when the label is removed, the holographic layer destructs and the VOID pattern activates simultaneously, triggering two tamper indicators at once.

    TamperMax® labels are available in multiple standard holographic patterns and can be custom ordered with your company logo, sequential serial numbers, barcodes, QR codes, and UV covert ink features. Contact our team to discuss custom TamperMax® specifications for your product or brand.

    View standard TamperMax® options in our Holographic Security Labels collection.
  • 12 What are custom embossed holograms and how are they different from standard holographic labels?

    Standard holographic labels use a pre-existing holographic master pattern — often a repeating geometric or rainbow foil — combined with custom printing (your logo, serial numbers). They offer strong security at a competitive price point.

    Custom embossed holograms are originated from a hologram master plate created specifically for your brand — featuring your logo, unique imagery, or design elements as the actual holographic element itself, not just printed on top. This produces a uniquely identifiable hologram that is exclusively yours and cannot be duplicated without access to your proprietary master. Custom embossed holograms represent the highest level of holographic brand protection and are used by governments, luxury brands, and high-value product manufacturers.

    Explore Custom Embossed Holograms or contact us for a custom origination quote.

Custom Printing

6 questions
  • 13 Can you print my company logo on security labels?

    Yes. Intertronix can print any company logo on security labels and stickers. For best results, your logo file must meet these requirements:

    • File format: .jpg
    • Minimum resolution: 300 DPI or higher
    • Color: Black only — we cannot print in grayscales

    For two-color or full-color logo printing, please contact our team for a custom quote — multi-color printing is available but requires a separate production setup.

  • 14 Will custom printed security labels look crisp and clear?

    Yes — for appropriately sized labels. Our design team works to meet your specifications precisely. However, for very small labels (under 0.5 inch / 12mm), we recommend printing no more than two fields — for example, a logo plus one line of text, or a barcode plus a serial number.

    Crowding too much information onto a tiny label results in text that prints too small to read clearly. As a general rule: the larger the label, the more information it can contain without compromising legibility. We always recommend ordering a printed proof for custom designs so you can verify print quality before committing to a full production run.

    Order a printed proof before your full production run to verify print quality.
  • 15 Can you print security labels with more than one ink color?

    Yes. Two-color and multi-color custom security label printing is available at Intertronix. It is not a standard catalog option — multi-color printing is a more complex production job that requires a custom quote based on your specific design, label type, size, and order quantity.

    Please call or email us to discuss your multi-color print requirements and we'll provide a detailed quote and lead time estimate.

  • 16 What barcode types can be printed on custom security labels?

    Intertronix can print virtually any barcode type on custom security labels, including:

    • Code 39 and Code 128 (1D linear barcodes)
    • QR codes (2D matrix, scannable by smartphone)
    • Data Matrix codes (compact 2D, used in medical and aerospace)
    • UPC-A and EAN-13 (retail point-of-sale barcodes)
    • GS1-compatible formats for supply chain compliance
    • Sequential serial numbers (numeric or alphanumeric)
    Visit our Barcode Reference Guide to identify which format is right for your application.
  • 17 Can you make security labels in a custom size or shape not listed on your site?

    Yes. Intertronix can produce security labels in virtually any size and shape. Because there are an unlimited number of possible dimensions, we cannot list every option online.

    If your required size or shape requires a new die (a cutting tool we don't currently have in inventory), a one-time non-refundable die setup surcharge will be added to your order. Standard sizes and shapes already in our die inventory carry no additional setup fee. Contact us with your dimensions and we'll confirm die availability and total pricing.

  • 18 Can I get a custom label layout different from the templates on your website?

    Yes. You can submit any custom layout for your security labels — including non-standard field placement, custom text orientation, logo positioning, rotated serial numbers, and unique design arrangements that differ from any template on our website.

    Simply send us your layout by email at sales@intertronix.com and our design team will adapt it to your specifications. We recommend ordering a printed proof to review and approve the design before committing to the full production run.


Ordering & Minimums

4 questions
  • 19 Is there a minimum order quantity for security labels?

    Most in-stock security label products have a minimum order quantity of 250 labels and can be ordered directly through our online store. This makes Intertronix accessible to businesses of all sizes — from startups ordering 100 labels to enterprises ordering 100,000+.

    Custom-printed labels — with your logo, serial numbers, or custom barcodes — For more complex orders and non stock items please Contact our team at sales@intertronix.com or call 866-980-9525 for a custom quote that matches your volume requirements.

  • 20 Do you offer samples before I place a bulk order?

    Yes. Intertronix offers free sample packs of blank/ non printed labels of most standard security label product lines. We strongly recommend testing labels on your actual packaging or product surface before placing a bulk order — different substrates respond differently to adhesives, and tamper performance can vary based on surface finish, texture, and temperature.

    To request a free sample pack, complete our Samples Request Form or contact us directly at sales@intertronix.com or 866-980-9525.

  • 21 Do you offer volume or tiered pricing for large orders?

    Yes. Many Intertronix product lines include tiered pricing — the per-unit price decreases as quantity increases. You can view the tier pricing reference on individual product pages for applicable SKUs.

    For very large orders, repeat customers, or multi-product contracts, contact our sales team directly for a custom volume pricing quote: sales@intertronix.com or 866-980-9525.

  • 22 Can I order a printed proof before my full production run?

    Yes. For custom printed security labels, Intertronix offers printed proofs so you can review and approve the actual printed output — including logo rendering, barcode legibility, serial number placement, and overall design — before the full production run is manufactured.

    Order a printed proof here or contact us to include it in your custom print quote.

Shipping & Delivery

3 questions
  • 23 Do you ship security labels internationally?

    Yes. Intertronix ships tamper evident labels, holographic security stickers, and all other products worldwide from our facility in Chula Vista, California, USA.

    For international shipping rates, estimated transit times, and any applicable customs or import documentation requirements, please contact our team at sales@intertronix.com or call 866-980-9525. We are available Monday through Friday, 9AM–5PM PST.

  • 24 How long does it take to receive my order?

    Processing Time for all orders is 5-7 business days.

    Shipping time Once the order has been fulfilled it will be shipped from our Chula Vista, California facility. Shipping transit time depend on the shipping method selected at checkout.

    Custom orders not placed on our website may require additional production time. Lead times vary based on label type, quantity, print complexity, and whether a printed proof is required. Contact our team for a lead time estimate before placing a time-sensitive custom order.

    RUSH SERVICE is available and it will drop the processing time for the order to be fulfilled in 1-2 business days. This is independent to the shipping transit time selected at check out.

    For urgent orders, please call us directly at 866-980-9525 to discuss rush production and expedited shipping options.

  • 25 Where is Intertronix located?

    Intertronix is located at 2526 Catamaran Way, Chula Vista, California 91914 — in the San Diego metro area. Our facility serves as both our manufacturing and fulfillment center. All US and international orders ship from this location.

    Phone: 866-980-9525  |  Fax: (619) 754-6570  |  Email: sales@intertronix.com
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 9AM–5PM PST


Certifications & Compliance

3 questions
  • 26 What certifications do Intertronix security label materials carry?

    Intertronix security label materials are manufactured to meet UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and CSA International certification standards. These certifications apply to the facestock materials and adhesive systems used in our label products.

    Full material certifications and supporting documentation are available upon request for pharmaceutical, medical device, government, and other regulated industry applications. Contact sales@intertronix.com to request certification documentation.

    View all available Materials Certifications in our resources section.
  • 27 Are Intertronix labels FDA compliant for pharmaceutical use?

    Intertronix security labels can be used in pharmaceutical applications. The FDA mandates the use of tamper-evident packaging for over-the-counter medications and certain prescription drugs — our VOID, destructible, and holographic tamper evident labels meet the functional definition of tamper-evident packaging as required by 21 CFR Part 211.

    For regulated pharmaceutical applications requiring specific material documentation, full material certifications are available upon request. We recommend consulting with your regulatory compliance team to confirm that the specific label type and adhesive system is appropriate for your product's packaging requirements. Contact sales@intertronix.com for documentation.

  • 28 Do you carry food-safe tamper evident labels?

    Yes. Intertronix's Food Tamper Seals collection includes tamper evident labels and seals designed for use on food delivery packaging, restaurant containers, bottled products, and retail food packaging. These labels comply with applicable food safety and labeling standards.

    For specific food contact compliance requirements or documentation, contact our team with details about your application and we will confirm which label type and adhesive system is appropriate.

    Browse our Food Tamper Seals collection for in-stock options.

Surfaces & Application

3 questions
  • 29 Do security labels work on all surfaces?

    Most Intertronix security labels are engineered to adhere to a wide range of surfaces including plastic, glass, metal, cardboard, and coated paper. However, the following factors can significantly affect adhesion strength and tamper performance:

    • Surface texture (smooth vs. rough or textured)
    • Surface finish (matte, gloss, coated, uncoated)
    • Curvature (flat vs. cylindrical or contoured)
    • Temperature range the label will be exposed to
    • Surface contamination (oils, dust, moisture)

    We strongly recommend requesting a free sample pack and testing the label on your specific substrate before placing a bulk order. Our team can also advise on the right adhesive formulation for challenging or unusual surfaces.

  • 30 How should I apply security labels for best tamper performance?

    For optimal adhesion and tamper performance, follow these application guidelines:

    • Clean the surface — remove dust, oils, and moisture before application. Use isopropyl alcohol on a lint-free cloth for best results
    • Apply at room temperature — most pressure-sensitive adhesives perform best between 60°F and 80°F (15°C–27°C) during application
    • Allow dwell time — full adhesive bond strength is typically reached 24–72 hours after application. Avoid immediate tamper testing directly after applying
    • Apply firm pressure — press the label down firmly and uniformly across the entire surface, especially at the edges
    • Avoid curved surfaces with flat labels — if applying to a curved surface, use a label designed for that substrate or contact us for flexible material options
    See our full How to Apply Security Labels guide for detailed application instructions.
  • 31 Do you carry water-indicating labels?

    Yes. Intertronix carries Water Indicating Labels — a specialized type of security label that changes color or reveals a pattern when exposed to water or moisture. These labels are used to detect water damage in electronics, shipments, and sensitive equipment, and to support warranty claim investigations where water exposure is relevant.

    Browse Water Indicating Labels in our Additional Label Solutions collection.

Industries & Use Cases

3 questions
  • 32 What industries use tamper evident labels most?

    Tamper evident and security labels are used across virtually every industry that manufactures, packages, or ships a physical product. The industries with the highest adoption include:

    • Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare — serialized tamper evident seals required by FDA and EMA regulations
    • Electronics & Technology — warranty void stickers, destructible seals preventing unauthorized repairs
    • Food & Beverage — delivery container seals, bottle cap seals, retail freshness seals
    • Cannabis & CBD — compliance seals for dispensary packaging and child-resistant closures
    • Automotive Parts — holographic authentication preventing counterfeit safety-critical components
    • Cosmetics & Beauty — anti-substitution seals protecting consumers from counterfeit formulations
    • Government & Defense — holographic overlaminates on ID cards, passports, and official documents
    • Retail & Luxury Goods — brand authentication seals deterring gray market diversion
  • 33 Do you have security label solutions for cannabis and marijuana dispensaries?

    Yes. Intertronix carries a dedicated CBD and Marijuana Labels collection with tamper evident seals, exit bags, and security stickers designed for cannabis and CBD dispensary compliance requirements. Our labels help dispensaries meet state-mandated tamper-evident packaging requirements and protect products throughout the retail chain.

    Browse CBD and Marijuana Labels for dispensary-compliant solutions.
  • 34 Do you have security labels for gas stations and fuel pump calibration?

    Yes. Intertronix carries tamper evident seals and security labels designed for gas stations, fuel pump calibration, and meter sealing applications. These labels are used to seal fuel dispensers and calibration panels so that any unauthorized access — which could indicate meter tampering or fuel theft — is immediately visible to inspectors and operators.

    Browse Gas Stations & Calibration labels in our Shop by Industry collection.

Still have a question?

Our security label specialists are available Monday–Friday, 9AM–5PM PST to help you choose the right label, discuss custom printing requirements, or answer any technical questions. Reach us at 866-980-9525, by email at sales@intertronix.com, or use our contact form.