When it comes to protecting products, documents, or packaging from unauthorized access or manipulation, two terms often pop up: Security Labels and Tamper-Evident Labels.
At first glance, they might seem different — and many people do wonder whether they’re interchangeable or if each serves a unique purpose. So, what’s the real difference?
Security vs. Tamper-Evident: A Matter of Perspective
- Tamper-Evident Labels are designed to show visible signs when someone tries to remove or manipulate them. That might include materials that break apart, leave a “VOID” message, or clearly distort when tampered with.
- Security Labels do exactly the same — they protect against unauthorized access and help indicate when a product has been interfered with.
In short, tamper evidence is one of the core functions of a security label. And in practice, the two terms are often used interchangeably.
Different Names, Same Goal
The difference usually comes down to industry language or focus:
- In pharmaceuticals and medical devices, “tamper-evident” is a commonly used term due to regulatory requirements.
- In electronics, logistics, or brand protection, “security label” is more broadly used.
But whether you call it a security label or a tamper-evident label, the goal is the same:
to protect the integrity of the product and build trust with your customers.
There’s no real technical difference between the two — it’s more about terminology and context. So the next time someone asks, “Do I need a security label or a tamper-evident label?” the answer is simple:
You’re looking for the same thing.
