When it comes to protecting consumer rights – ensuring safety, efficacy, and security of products in the market, we as consumers look for the assurance from some of the well-known verification bodies such as Food and Drug Administration (FDA), JAKIM for Halal, and HACCP.

But what about products claiming to have nano-elements to increase efficacy? Many times, we are made to pay a premium for these products but how do we know for sure that the product actually contains nano-materials as claimed? Is there a verification mark or logo that the consumers can look for?

To date, there are 6 nanotechnology verification bodies worldwide, including Nanocertifica in Russia  MNT Quality Mark in the UK, Nano Q in Thailand, Nano-meghyas in Iran  and Nano Mark in Taiwan.

In Malaysia, the first and only nanotechnology verification body, NanoVerify was formed in 2015 and gets products recognized for containing genuine nano-elements, aiming to boost consumer confidence and trust in nano-incorporated products.

While their methods may differ slightly from one another, these 6 bodies are united on the same objectives which are to;

• certify the presence and quality of nanomaterial based products
• control the false claim of nanotechnology in the market
• gain public trust in nanotechnology and promote its benefits
• promote local nanotechnology products in the domestic and international market

Why is getting Nano-verified so important to manufacturers and consumers?

When manufacturers incorporate nano-elements into products, they help, amongst others, to enhance strength, flexibility, heat transmission and electrical conductivity, which translates to better, faster, slicker and superior products. Products that contain nano-elements that are popular amongst consumers include skin care and cosmetics, fertilisers, car coatings and protectors, automotive lubricants and even clothing.

The growth of Nanotechnology industry is still in its infancy in Malaysia, and there needs to be a system of checks and balances to reduce the risks of unscrupulous business practices where false claims on nano-products are made on the labels to increase profit. What can the consumers do to determine the authenticity of claim? Unfortunately for now, without the help of verification bodies we are unable to differentiate between true and false claims.

Here’s where NanoVerify steps into place, playing a crucial role in nanotechnology verification. The Nano-verified mark is an assurance that products have been tested to have nano-elements. This in turn will boosts customer confidence and creates a healthy demand for Nano-products pushing the industry further.

Similar to other verification bodies in Malaysia such as JAKIM for the Halal industry, NanoVerify will ensure that consumers are protected with the assurance of the Nano-verified seal. With the help of Standards Malaysia and SIRIM, NanoVerify, an agency entrusted to build the confidence in the verification system and seal, will help the country in opening up trade and driving market penetration of nano-products domestically and internationally.  Like JAKIM did with Halal, there is an opportunity to develop Malaysia as the beacon of knowledge and know-how in nano-verification.

International cooperation is also well underway as evidenced by the announced collaboration between Taiwan Nanotechnology Industry Development Association (TANIDA) and NanoVerify for mutual mark recognition. These collaborations will be equally critical in international market penetration through homogenization of standards and trade partnerships.

Financial experts and investment gurus alike have earmarked the nanotechnology industry as a high potential market with projections of billions of dollars in revenue in the coming years. Beyond monetary gains, the nanotechnology industry is also brimming with the ability to positively impact the lives of billions around the world through more effective products and services.

With so much on the line, it is imperative for all of us to band together in enabling the success of the industry by supporting the vital role verification bodies play in achieving mass market acceptance and confidence in nanotechnology.

For while verification bodies could very well be the drivers of the industry, each one of us from researcher, inventor, entrepreneur, investor, and even purchaser will serve as the engine that will truly power the growth of the nanotechnology industry.

For further interesting insights on the nano-industry, latest news on verified products in Malaysia and other nano-developments visit https://www.nanoverify.com.my/, follow us on www.facebook.com/NANOVerify and www.instagram.com/nanoverify/.