TSTF Review – What’s Next for Optical Security for Tax Stamps?

The 12th edition of the Reconnaissance Tax Stamp & Traceability Forum™ (TSTF) took place from 7-9 April in Cape Town, South Africa. More than 165 delegates from 84 organisations representing 44 countries (including tax authorities from Africa and worldwide) participated in the event. They explored strategic and practical solutions to safeguard and enhance government tax revenues while combating the illicit trade in tobacco, alcohol, and other products.

As the Editor of Holography & Optical Technology News®, I arrived with a key question in mind: what lies ahead for optical security technologies (OSTs), particularly in tax stamps, where holograms are currently the most widely used optical security feature, and how is the market evolving?

Crane Authentication debut & industry presence

From the industry participation perspective, OSTs were not just showcased – they were central.