Category: News & Updates

Authentix, Inc. Signs Five-Year Contract with the Republic of Congo for a Marketplace Governance Program for Digital Tax Stamp and Fuel Integrity

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Author: Andree Bourgeois

MARCH 2022 – Authentix announces today that it has signed major contracts with the Republic of Congo Ministry of International Cooperation and Promotion of Public Private Partnership for the implementation and operation of two National Marketplace Governance Programs to prevent illicit trading of goods in both packaged consumer products and retail fuels. Preventing this illicit trading in both markets will make sure citizens are receiving genuine products and also boost excise tax revenue by enforcing compliance with taxes that are levied on these goods.   The contracts cover a five (5) year term.

A new Digital Tax Stamp Track & Trace system will be implemented using the Authentix’ TransAct™ information system for affixing secure, digital tax stamps to beverages and tobacco and also provide field inspection kits to provide traceability and visibility into the supply chain and deter fraudulent activities – ensuring a level playing field for all legitimate industry stakeholders. The Fuel Integrity Program includes the supply of proprietary fuel marking and fuel quality testing, portable analyzers, and field test kits. Also included in the fuel program is access to Authentix Information System (AXIS®), a cloud-based information system, to enable tracking, compliance and enforcement of fuel marketing companies and retailers when illicit fuel products are found entering the supply chain. Both programs encompass implementation, training and support, technical support, device maintenance, and a country-based program management team.

Collaborating with governments around the globe, Authentix marketplace governance programs have helped to ensure the authentication and traceability of products in the supply chain while recovering billions of dollars in lost tax revenue.

The Republic of Congo’s Le Journal de d’Afrique has reported the signing of this major agreement in a recent news segment. See the video clip here.

Authentix, Inc. and Consortium Partner SACOM, SA Awarded Major Marketplace Governance Contract for Fuel Marking Services by Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy of Mozambique

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Author: Andree Bourgeois

Authentix announced today that its business consortium with Autenticação de Combustíveis de Moçambique, SA (SACOM) has signed a major contract with the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy of Mozambique to implement and operate a National Marketplace Governance program to combat the illicit trade of fuels.  The contract covers a three (3) year term and implementation of the program is now underway.

The scope of this program includes supplying proprietary covert fuel markers along with logistics and management services to chemically mark the country’s fuel supply, monitor compliance, and provide detection capability to the government for the discovery and elimination of illicit and substandard fuels.  SACOM will handle in-country logistics for the program including security, warehousing, personnel, and infrastructure and Authentix will supply the core technology, enabling hardware, and a cloud-based data platform.  The solution will include the Authentix Information System (AXIS®), a cloud-based data information system, to enable tracking, compliance, and enforcement of fuel marketing companies and retailers when illicit fuel products are found entering the supply chain.   This fuel governance system will provide product movement control and fuel product authentication via secure and environmentally friendly technologies introduced at fuel terminals and loading sites and tracked to consumer retail stations.  At anticipated volumes, the contract will cover approximately 2 billion litres of fuel marked and monitored per annum.

Authentix’s Marketplace Governance programs have helped dozens of national governments recover billions of dollars in lost tax revenue due to illicit trading while also improving the environment by substantially reducing the amount of pollution due to low-quality fuels and waste oil products illegally entering the nation’s fuel supply.

Authentix® Receives Presidential Award for Exports

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Author: Andree Bourgeois

ADDISON, Texas, November 5, 2021— Authentix, Inc, a U.S.-based technology solutions provider specializing in digital supply chain security and authentication programs, was awarded today with the 2021 President’s “E” Award for Exports by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The President’s “E” Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.

November 5, 2021 – Chad Crouch, Vice President of Sales, Authentix (left) with U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Don Graves (right) at a ceremony in Washington, D. C. for the presentation of “E” Awards for exports.

“Authentix’s achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo in her congratulatory letter to the company announcing its selection. “Authentix has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion and an innovative product development process to customize solutions for international clients. The company’s increase in hiring tied to export growth was also particularly notable.”

“The U.S. Commercial Service has supported Authentix’s presence in global markets with local knowledge and experience that connects the right stakeholders to our mission to safeguard the integrity of global commerce.” stated Kevin McKenna, CEO of Authentix. “With their help, we have been able to grow our footprint internationally and deliver advanced authentication solutions to help our customers thrive in a global economy. We are honored to receive the “E” Award,”

U.S. companies are nominated for the “E” Awards through the U.S. Commercial Service, part of the Department’s International Trade Administration. With offices across the United States and in embassies and consulates around the world, the International Trade Administration lends its expertise at every stage of the exporting process by promoting and facilitating exports and investment into the United States; administering Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties orders; and removing, reducing, or preventing foreign trade barriers.

About the “E” Awards
In 1961, President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II “E” symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America’s exporters. Criteria for the award is based on four years of successive export growth in one or more international markets. For more information about the “E” Awards and the benefits of exporting, visit www.export.gov.

About Authentix
As the authority in authentication solutions, Authentix thrives in supply chain complexity. Authentix provides advanced authentication solutions for governments, central banks, and commercial products, ensuring local economies grow, banknote security remains intact, and commercial products have robust market opportunities. The Authentix partnership approach and proven sector expertise inspires proactive innovation, helping customers mitigate risks to promote revenue growth and gain competitive advantage. Headquartered in Addison, Texas USA, Authentix, Inc. has offices in the North America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia serving clients worldwide. For more information, visit https://www.authentix.com. Authentix® is a registered trademark of Authentix, Inc.

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Kristi Browne Appointed as Chief Operating Officer of Authentix®

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Author: Andree Bourgeois

ADDISON, Texas, July 28, 2021— Authentix, the authority in supply chain security and digital track and trace, announces its most tenured executive leader, Kristi Browne, has been appointed as its new Chief Operating Officer.

Mrs. Browne previously served as Senior Vice President of Global Services for Authentix and possesses unique insight and vision into every aspect of managing a large services organization delivering and implementing solutions to the company’s high-quality client base. In this new role as COO, Browne will continue to be responsible for the management of cross-functional groups accountable for implementation and program management for all client programs in the company’s four primary business units. Kristi’s team is responsible for solutions development, production, and logistics on a global basis. Additionally, she will also supervise the development and growth of Authentix Digital Group providing advanced digital product solutions for product track and trace, on-line brand protection monitoring, and consumer engagement and marketing.

Hired originally as a chemical engineer, Browne has spent nearly 20 years with Authentix in multiple positions advancing to an executive role and a key leader in the company. “Kristi’s detailed understanding of delivering authentication solutions to our client base is unmatched because of her many years successfully leading different areas of the organization,” stated Kevin McKenna, CEO of Authentix, adding that, “The commitment to our mission and the values Kristi demonstrates are the primary reasons for our high customer retention rate.”

Browne holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Arkansas.

About Authentix:
As the authority in authentication solutions, Authentix thrives in supply chain complexity. Authentix provides advanced authentication solutions for governments, central banks, and commercial products, ensuring local economies grow, banknote security remains intact, and commercial products have greater market opportunities. The Authentix partnership approach and proven sector expertise inspires proactive innovation, helping customers mitigate risks to promote revenue growth and gain competitive advantage.

Headquartered in Addison, Texas USA, Authentix, Inc. has offices in the North America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa serving clients worldwide. For more information, visit https://www.authentix.com. Authentix® is a registered trademark of Authentix, Inc.

Authentix® Completes Acquisition of Strategic IP Information Pte Ltd (SIPI) Expanding its Growth in Digital Brand Protection

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Author: Andree Bourgeois

ADDISON, Texas, July 13, 2021— Authentix, the authority in authentication and information services, announced that it has acquired Asia’s leading online brand and content rights protection provider, Strategic IP Information Pte Ltd (SIPI).

For over ten years, SIPI has offered state-of-the-art services for brands to track unauthorized channels for counterfeit products and manufacturers through its proprietary online tools and array of services including physical enforcement and taking down pirated listings. Using a team of dedicated analysts and sophisticated platform technology, SIPI is able to promptly detect infringement data and counterfeiting activity for rapid action and consolidated, insightful reports for its growing brand owner customer base. SIPI presently serves over 200 global brands and is partnered with numerous major global law firms along with its own teams in New Delhi, Shenzhen, Paris, New York, and Geneva.

“This strategic acquisition expands our portfolio of digital security technologies to include online anti-counterfeiting and content rights solutions and increases the scope of offerings for our brand protection clients,” stated Kevin McKenna, CEO of Authentix, adding “a key element of our growth plan includes the integration of both online investigation and copyright protection services and SIPI is a high-quality organization that fits perfectly with Authentix capabilities and strategic direction.”

SIPI’s founder and Chairman, Bharat Dube (former Head of Anti-counterfeiting for the Richemont Group) said, “We are extremely proud to be joining forces with the highly talented and experienced team at Authentix. The cutting-edge track and trace solutions provided by Authentix, in combination with the online and offline enforcement solutions we have developed, should offer highly secure protection to the world’s leading brands.”

SIPI’s CEO, Bharat Kapoor added, “With the support and backing of Authentix, we are confident of becoming the world’s leading service provider of online brand protection.”

SIPI will remain a stand-alone operating entity retaining its respective brands, with a plan to integrate within the Authentix group of companies and further grow its collective set of strategic offerings and leverage the larger Authentix sales platform in the market.

About SIPI:
Headquartered in Singapore, SIPI provides fully managed online brand protection and content rights monitoring and enforcement services for Fortune 500 companies in the luxury goods, fashion, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, spirits, manufacturing, automotive and media industries. SIPI operates Veri-Site, the global leader in providing risk-relevant intelligence regarding rogue websites, intellectual property theft, cybercrime, web-enabled transnational organized crime, and sanctioned entities operating online. SIPI’s O2O (‘online-to-offline’) division focuses on investigations and offline enforcement in China, India, and several other Asian countries.

About Authentix:
As the authority in authentication solutions, Authentix thrives in supply chain complexity. Authentix provides advanced authentication solutions for governments, central banks, and commercial products, ensuring local economies grow, banknote security remains intact, and commercial products have robust market opportunities. The Authentix partnership approach and proven sector expertise inspires proactive innovation, helping customers mitigate risks to promote revenue growth and gain competitive advantage. Headquartered in Addison, Texas USA, Authentix, Inc. has offices in the North America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa serving clients worldwide. For more information, visit https://www.authentix.com. Authentix® is a registered trademark of Authentix, Inc.

International Consortium Led by Authentix, Inc. Finalizes License Agreement to Implement Major Track and Trace System in Pakistan

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Author: Andree Bourgeois

Addison, Texas & Gauteng, South Africa & Islamabad, Pakistan—March 10, 2021—The Consortium of Authentix, Inc., MITAS Corporation and AJCL Private Limited is pleased to announce it has finalized a license agreement with Federal Board of Revenue of Pakistan to implement a track and trace system for tobacco, cement, sugar and fertilizer. The license agreement covers an initial five (5) year term as well as a three (3) year extension option.

The scope of the system is to assist both domestic manufacturers and importers with the capability to apply secure and digitized tax stamps to each product of the above categories distributed in Pakistan. This system will provide for production monitoring, product movement control and product authentication via secure and non-intrusive technologies installed at manufacturing lines, dedicated hand-held equipment, smartphone applications, and multi-faceted security stamps. At anticipated industry product volumes, the total contract will cover an expected 6.5 billion consumer products per annum.

According to the World Bank, production and importation of products in Pakistan for the four industries involved are subject to widespread illicit trade practices such as smuggling, counterfeiting, and production volume underreporting resulting in up to an estimated 50% of the total volume of all goods sold in country.  This illicit trade and lack of proper production reporting causes a massive loss of tax revenue for the Pakistan state budget. For illustration, a key industry source reports that in the segment of tobacco products alone, the amount of tax evasion adds up to over PKR77 billion (USD481 million) per year, which is over three times the amount currently allocated for annual federal government spending on healthcare.

Authentix Chief Executive Officer, Kevin McKenna, stated “On behalf of Authentix and our Consortium partners, we are pleased that the Federal Board of Revenue has finalized this license agreement with us and we look forward to implementing this advanced monitoring and enforcement system for the curtailment and remediation of illicit trade for the benefit of the Pakistan citizens and to create fair trade practices in the industries noted.”

About Authentix:

As the authority in authentication solutions, Authentix thrives in supply chain complexity. Authentix provides advanced authentication solutions for governments, central banks, and commercial products, ensuring local economies grow, banknote security remains intact, and commercial products have robust market opportunities. The Authentix partnership approach and proven sector expertise inspires proactive innovation, helping customers mitigate risks to promote revenue growth and gain competitive advantage.  Headquartered in Addison, Texas USA, Authentix, Inc. has offices in the US, UK, Saudi Arabia, and Africa serving clients worldwide. For more information, visit https://www.authentix.com. Authentix® is a registered trademark of Authentix, Inc.

NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Kent Mansfield
Chief Sales and Marketing Officer
kent.mansfield@authentix.com
 

Authentix to Sponsor International Petroleum Week 2021 with Focus on Move to Low Carbon Future

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Author: Andree Bourgeois

ADDISON, Texas, February 10, 2021 – Authentix®, the authority in authentication and information services, announced it will be sponsoring International Petroleum (IP) Week February 23-25, 2021, hosted by the Energy Institute. The event, held virtually this year, remains the preeminent international event for building collaboration between the oil and gas industry, government, and society.

Virtual IP Week 2021 will focus on the urgency and demand for the industry to move to a lower carbon future over the next decade, with executives and leaders across the globe collaborating to help define the industry’s role and actions towards this critical endeavor.

Jeff Conroy, PhD, Chief Technology Officer for Authentix, will be presenting February 24th on the topic of “Innovative Solutions for Quality Assurance and Source Integrity of Renewable Biofuels”. With expectations to reduce reliance on crude oil derived hydrocarbons and move to cleaner, renewable, lower carbon alternatives, oil companies are looking at ‘second generation’ or ‘advanced biofuels’ to fill that need.

Already in Europe there is a mandate for the use of these biofuels derived from waste (as outlined in RED and REDII) and allowing for double counting of these in meeting the targets required. This adoption of a wider range of biofuels obtained from a larger variety of sources has increased the complexity in the supply chain, which in turn increases the need for greater oversight and control by both oil companies and governments. In Conroy’s presentation, IP Week delegates will learn how the new QualiTrax™ rapid fuel quality testing solution, a cutting-edge digital field-based fuel quality system using machine learning, artificial intelligence, and real-time access to data can help verify the proper sources and supply integrity for new biofuels.

As part of its sponsorship, Authentix will also have a digital exhibit booth for delegates to explore and chat with an executive to learn more about the QualiTrax fuel quality solution and other fuel integrity programs.

To register for IP Week or for more information, visit the event website at www.ipweek.co.uk.

About Authentix
As the authority in authentication solutions, Authentix thrives in supply chain complexity. Authentix provides advanced authentication solutions for governments, central banks and commercial companies, ensuring local economies grow, banknote security remains intact and commercial products have robust market opportunities. The Authentix partnership approach and proven sector expertise inspires proactive innovation, helping customers mitigate risks to promote revenue growth and gain competitive advantage. Headquartered in Addison, Texas USA, Authentix, Inc. has offices in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa serving clients worldwide. Authentix® is a registered trademark of Authentix, Inc. For more information, visit www.authentix.com.

About The Energy Institute
The Energy Institute is the not-for-profit chartered professional membership body bringing together expertise to tackle urgent global challenges. Responding to the climate emergency while meeting the energy needs of the world’s growing population calls for energy to be better understood, managed and valued. This ambition is at the heart of our social purpose. We are a global, independent network of professionals spanning the world of energy, convening and facilitating debate, championing evidence and sharing fresh ideas, giving voice to issues of concern and where necessary challenging the industry we work with. For more information, visit https://www.energyinst.org.

Authentix Announces Acquisition of Traceless® Authentication Group

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Author: Andree Bourgeois

ADDISON, Texas, September 30, 2020 — Authentix, the authority in authentication and information services, announced today that it has acquired the Traceless Authentication Group from Bibliotheca, Inc. a library systems solutions company serving over 30,000 libraries worldwide. MHT Partners, L.P. acted as financial advisor to Authentix in this transaction.

Rochester, New York – based Traceless is an industry leader in anticounterfeiting and diversion control to global clientele including customers in the pharmaceuticals, spirits, and apparel industries. This acquisition includes the company’s complete portfolio of patented covert marking solutions as well as its own enterprise cloud-based digital track and trace software solution. Product lines acquired include Traceless Ultra™, Traceless Pro™, and Traceless Anti-Diversion™ covert marking systems that can be integrated seamlessly into existing product production using virtually any available commercial printing method including continuous inkjet and is certified for use in Domino® inkjet printers. Additionally, the company brings to the deal its own portfolio of custom readers and vision inspection systems. Traceless Brand Protection Cloud™, a patented track and trace cloud-based solution includes encrypted QR code generation along with available digitized labels for smartphone interaction and authentication by consumers, without the need to download a phone app.

“Authentix has been a dominant leader in the brand protection market for over 20 years serving some of the world’s largest brand owners, and this strategic acquisition expands our security technology offerings available to our growing list of global clients along with the addition of Traceless customers added in this transaction” stated Kevin McKenna, CEO of Authentix, adding “Traceless brings an extensive capability in the worldwide digital tracking of products and consumer-level product marketing, both of which integrate well with our growth strategy.”

About Authentix

As the authority in authentication solutions, Authentix helps customers thrive in supply chain complexity. Authentix provides advanced authentication solutions for governments, central banks and commercial products, ensuring local economies grow, banknote security remains intact, and commercial products have robust market opportunities. The Authentix partnership approach and proven sector expertise inspires proactive innovation, helping customers mitigate risks to promote revenue growth and gain competitive advantage.  Headquartered in Addison, Texas USA, Authentix, Inc. has offices in the US, UK, Saudi Arabia, and Africa serving clients worldwide. For more information, visit https://www.authentix.com. Authentix® is a registered trademark of Authentix, Inc.

About Bibliotheca

Bibliotheca® is dedicated to the development of solutions that help libraries connect with users in unique ways and provide engaging experiences, allowing them to continually evolve their library services for the changing needs of their communities. With over 30,000 libraries as part of its family, there are more than 10,000 self-service units, 6,000 security systems, and 900 Automated Material Handling systems in place. Bibliotheca’s Open+ solution allows libraries to extend their available hours while also maintaining occupancy at safe levels. In addition, its cloudLibrary eReader provides access to over 1.5 million eBook and eAudiobook titles in over 100 languages for more than 5 million library patrons worldwide. For more information, visit https://www.bibliotheca.com. Bibliotheca® is a registered trademark of Bibliotheca, Inc.

Authentix Welcomes David B. Brown as Chief Financial Officer

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Author: Andree Bourgeois

ADDISON, Texas, July 23, 2020 – Authentix, the authority in authentication solutions, welcomes David B. Brown to the executive team in the role of Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Brown will be responsible for integrating business and finance strategy to further expand the global presence of Authentix and drive growth into key markets. In his role, Mr. Brown brings over thirty years of experience as he oversees global finance, treasury, accounting and taxation activities.

With extensive financial leadership experience in both publicly traded and privately owned multi-national companies, his skill set will be valuable to the Authentix executive team during this period where the focus is on rapid growth.

“David brings a strong track record of driving results-oriented strategies and accelerating growth within global businesses and we are proud to welcome him to the Authentix team.” states Kevin McKenna, CEO of Authentix. “With David’s appointment, we have a strong management team in place to continue the execution of our strategy to drive revenue growth and continued market expansion.”

A seasoned finance professional, Mr. Brown got his start in public accounting with PricewaterhouseCoopers then went on to serve in executive roles with LSG Sky Chefs, Brink’s Company, Dresser, Tellabs and Trillium Flow Technologies most recently. He is also an independent director and audit committee chair for Perma-Pipe International Holdings, Inc.

Mr. Brown holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from The University of Texas, Austin and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of Texas

About Authentix

As the authority in authentication solutions, Authentix thrives in supply chain complexity. Authentix provides advanced authentication solutions for governments, central banks and commercial companies, ensuring local economies grow, banknote security remains intact and commercial products have robust market opportunities. The Authentix partnership approach and proven sector expertise inspires proactive innovation, helping customers mitigate risks to promote revenue growth and gain competitive advantage. Headquartered in Addison, Texas USA, Authentix, Inc. has offices in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa serving clients worldwide. Authentix® is a registered trademark of Authentix, Inc. For more information, visit https://www.authentix.com.

 

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Tim Driscoll to Present Industry Webinar for Quarantining Illicit Tobacco During COVID-19

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Author: Andree Bourgeois

ADDISON, Texas, July 20, 2020 – Authentix®, the authority in authentication and information services, announced that its Senior Vice President and General Manager of Tax Stamp & Currency, Tim Driscoll, Ph.D., will be presenting an industry webinar titled Quarantining Illicit Tobacco – Tobacco Control through the Lens of COVID-19  on July 23, 2020, at 9:00 AM Central Standard Time.

The webinar, sponsored by the International Tax Stamp Association (ITSA), will focus on the crucial role of tax stamp and traceability programs to boost government finances strained by COVID-19.

Driscoll, a Board Member for ITSA, has played a critical role in expanding the Authentix tax stamp division with the launch of Authentix’s tax stamp program for the Ghana Revenue Authority in March of 2018. Today, Authentix supplies and manages multiple excise tax recovery programs for national governments across the globe and produces in excess of 10 billion stamps annually. Driscoll was also instrumental in the acquisition of UK-based Security Print Solutions (SPS), one of the premier Intergraf certified security printers in the business.  This acquisition expanded Authentix’s print capacity and global delivery capability in addition to opening up new markets in high security documents.

With the effects of COVID-19 felt around the world, government revenues are decreasing while deficits and debt levels continue to increase at alarming rates. Meanwhile illicit trade is reported to have accelerated as counterfeiters and organized crime look to capitalize on the havoc the pandemic has caused.

Tax stamp and traceability programs are a proven solution to protect government revenues and secure supply chains, while also helping to protect public health, brands, and consumer confidence.

Authentix collaborates with government agencies worldwide to identify products avoiding taxation and the primary source of the illicit activity. Our consultative approach and over 25 years of authentication and tax recovery experience enables us to understand and address tax collection challenges amid complex supply chains and uncertain times.

In the webinar, Driscoll shares the elements of a modern tax stamp program and why now may be the right time to introduce or expand current schemes. The webinar is open to the public and registrants can sign up here.

About Authentix

As the authority in authentication solutions, Authentix thrives in supply chain complexity. Authentix provides advanced authentication solutions for governments, central banks and commercial companies, ensuring local economies grow, banknote security remains intact and commercial products have robust market opportunities. The Authentix partnership approach and proven sector expertise inspires proactive innovation, helping customers mitigate risks to promote revenue growth and gain competitive advantage. Headquartered in Addison, Texas USA, Authentix, Inc. has offices in North America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa serving clients worldwide. Authentix® is a registered trademark of Authentix, Inc. For more information, visit www.authentix.com.

About ITSA

The International Tax Stamp Association is a not-for-profit organization working to ensure a better understanding of the benefits of tax stamps and tax stamp technology.  ITSA promotes high professional standards through education, research and advocacy, and develops as well as promotes best practices. ITSA is led by seven board members and consists of 23 high-profile companies and stakeholders who recognize the critical role of tax stamps. For more information, visit www.tax-stamps.org.

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