Chain Thread: Blockchain-Powered Product Verification and Authenticity Tracking

Abstract

Fake Product Identification through Blockchain is a decentralized application (dApp) designed to combat counterfeit goods by providing a transparent, secure, and efficient product verification system. The platform integrates Blockchain technology with QR Codes and NFC (Near Field Communication) tags, ensuring product authenticity from registration to verification. The system allows manufacturers to register products on the blockchain, associating each product with a unique identifier (serial number) linked to a QR code or NFC tag. Sellers and consumers can then scan the product\'s code using the dApp to verify its authenticity in real-time, accessing the product\'s complete history stored on the blockchain. By utilizing MetaMask for secure user authentication, the platform ensures that only authorized users can participate in product registration, ownership transfers, and verification. The application is powered by advanced smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain, which manage product registration, ownership transfer, and validation. The system applies prompt engineering and blockchain storage to ensure product data is immutable and tamper-proof. The architecture leverages the Ethereum network for decentralized storage, ensuring transparency and security at every stage of the product lifecycle. A case study showcasing a product verification scenario demonstrates the ease of use for consumers and sellers alike, enhancing trust in product authenticity and streamlining the buying process. This paper outlines the system\'s design, blockchain integration, and real-world applications, highlighting the impact of combining NFC/QR technology with blockchain to ensure secure, transparent product verification.

Introduction

Overview

Counterfeit products are a major issue in industries like fashion, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. Traditional authentication methods are often insecure and ineffective. To address this, the Fake Product Identification System leverages blockchain technology, QR codes, and NFC tags to create a decentralized, secure, and transparent solution for verifying product authenticity across the supply chain.

Key Features & Components

1. Blockchain Integration

• Uses the Ethereum blockchain to register and verify product data immutably.

• Smart contracts manage product registration, ownership transfer, and verification.

• Each product is linked to a unique identifier, stored securely and transparently.

2. Product Registration

• Manufacturers enter product details (e.g., serial number, brand, manufacture date) into a decentralized app (dApp).

• A QR code or NFC tag is generated and linked to the blockchain.

3. Product Verification

• Sellers and consumers scan the QR/NFC tag using the dApp.

• The system retrieves the product's blockchain record in real-time, confirming authenticity.

• Consumers receive a clear message about whether the product is genuine.

4. System Architecture

• Three-layer architecture:

  • User input layer: captures data from manufacturers, sellers, and consumers.

  • Blockchain layer: ensures data integrity via smart contracts.

  • Interface layer: enables real-time user interactions and displays product info.

5. Technologies Used

• Frontend: React, Tailwind CSS, Framer Motion (for a responsive, user-friendly interface).

• Backend: Node.js, Express.

• Blockchain: Ethereum smart contracts via Web3.js.

• Authentication: MetaMask wallet.

• Database: MongoDB for off-chain metadata storage.

6. AI-Driven Verification

• Personalization is integrated via AI and dynamic user-role-based data views.

• Sellers and consumers may see different information tailored to their role and interaction history.

7. User Interface

• Intuitive and informative UI presents detailed verification results.

• Focus on simplicity, transparency, and real-time feedback to increase trust.

Use Case Example

• A consumer purchases a product online and scans the QR code using the dApp.

• The system pulls verified data (e.g., brand, serial number, manufacturing date) from the blockchain.

• Output: "The product is authentic. It was manufactured by XYZ Company on 2023-04-01 and has been certified for quality assurance."

Benefits

• Tamper-proof verification using blockchain.

• Real-time authentication via QR/NFC.

• Enhanced consumer trust and brand protection.

• Personalized feedback using AI and smart contract logic.

• Transparency across the supply chain.

Limitations & Future Scope

• Current limitations include reliance on user adoption, limited UI assumptions, and infrastructure scalability.

• Future enhancements may include:

  • Integration with AI for predictive fraud detection.

  • Wider adoption in global supply chains.

  • Support for multi-platform interfaces.

This system represents a powerful application of blockchain for anti-counterfeiting, offering both security and transparency while improving consumer confidence and supply chain integrity.

Conclusion

In this paper, we presented the Fake Product Identification system, a decentralized platform that leverages blockchain technology, QR codes, and NFC (Near Field Communication) to ensure the authenticity of products across the supply chain. The system utilizes smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain for secure product registration, ownership tracking, and verification, creating a transparent and tamper-proof ledger. This solution aims to combat the growing issue of counterfeit products and improve consumer trust in product authenticity. A case study involving a consumer scanning a product’s QR code demonstrated the system’s effectiveness in providing real-time verification of product authenticity. The blockchain ensured that the product’s details were immutable and could be accessed by both sellers and consumers, reducing the risk of counterfeit goods being sold. By combining QR/NFC technology with blockchain, the platform offers a seamless user experience for both manufacturers and consumers while maintaining high standards of security and transparency. The Fake Product Identification system showcases the potential of blockchain-based product authentication and its ability to bring greater accountability to global supply chains. The system’s reliance on smart contracts and blockchain’s decentralized nature ensures that product data remains tamper-proof, even in environments where counterfeiting is a serious concern. This approach underscores the growing importance of integrating blockchain technology with consumer goods to protect both buyers and sellers from the risks associated with counterfeit products. Looking ahead, there are several opportunities for enhancement. Future developments could include integrating real-time data feeds from manufacturers, expanding product verification to include more complex product categories, and incorporating machine learning models for predictive counterfeit detection. Additionally, the system could be further scaled to integrate with global e-commerce platforms, allowing for seamless verification at the point of sale. Ethical considerations, including data privacy and transparency, will also be key as the system evolves and scales. In conclusion, Fake Product Identification represents a significant advancement in the way we approach product verification, offering a decentralized, transparent, and secure solution to prevent counterfeiting. By combining blockchain technology with NFC/QR code integration, the system enhances the trustworthiness of products and provides a much-needed solution to the pervasive problem of counterfeit goods. The promising results from our initial deployment suggest that blockchain can play a pivotal role in ensuring product authenticity across industries, ultimately benefiting both consumers and manufacturers. V. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to Prof. Shweta Chachra for their invaluable guidance, insightful feedback, and unwavering support throughout the course of this project. Their expertise and encouragement were instrumental in shaping the direction and success of this research. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the faculty and staff of the COMPS department for their continuous support and constructive advice. Their shared knowledge and dedication to excellence have inspired us throughout the development of the project. A special thanks to our colleagues and friends, whose collaboration and constructive critiques helped refine the project. Their camaraderie and insightful discussions were essential in overcoming challenges. Finally, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to our families for their endless love, patience, and understanding. Their belief in our abilities and their unwavering support provided the foundation upon which this research was built. Without their encouragement, this project would not have been possible.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Anshul Singh, Aryan Shenoy, Nihar Thanekar. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.