DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Authentix, the global leaders in authentication, have partnered with Hydrocarbons Analyses Controls S.A. (HYDRAC) to implement a new fuel and fuel adulterant marking program to help the West African nation of Cameroon recover tax money being lost to fuel fraud and ensure fuel quality for Cameroonian motorists.
"This new marking program means Cameroon will be able to fight losses due to fuel tax fraud," said Michael Ngako Tomdjo, Minister of Water and Energy, Cameroon. "Implementing this program will help Cameroon effectively combat fuel fraud, aid consumers and protect the environment."
As part of the program, Authentix marking technology is added to legal tax-paid fuels to indicate that the fuel is authentic and not diluted with lower cost solvents or smuggled fuels. Using Authentix markers, government officials can detect the exact level of dilution. Additionally, to identify and combat the sources of fuel adulteration, a separate Authentix technology is being added to kerosene and other low tax fuels which are often used to adulterate legal tax paid fuels. The Government of Cameroon has incurred heavy losses of fuel tax revenue due in part to tax-free fuel illegally smuggled into the country and because of rampant fuel adulteration. The Authentix program promises to help prevent future revenue losses.
Using proprietary Authentix testing technology, Cameroon can now quickly determine if fuels are legal or if they have been diluted with adulterants or smuggled products. These tests can be conducted in the field and provide an immediate indication of fuel fraud. Currently fuel and fuel adulterant marking is taking place at several locations around Cameroon.
“Authentix operates fuel marking programs all over the world and countries in West Africa are taking note,” says Royce Ferguson, Managing Director of Authentix in Africa. “In the past three years Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal and Togo have all seen the value of protecting their fuel with a marking program and we’re excited that Cameroon is following suit. In addition to the financial benefits, these programs protect motorists from the damaging effects of using low-quality fuel and the Government of Cameroon is to be commended for taking this important step to protect its citizens from these illicit practices.”
About Authentix
Authentix®, the global leaders in authentication, provides brand protection, excise tax recovery, and supply chain security solutions to governments and Fortune 500 companies around the world. Authentix helps safeguard clients in the oil and gas, pharmaceutical and consumer goods industries from counterfeiting, smuggling and adulteration issues. In addition, Authentix protects the currency of multiple industry-leading central banks. Innovative nano-scale engineering, serialization authentication expertise and cutting-edge sensor knowledge help Authentix create effective customized solutions that address each client's needs. To date, Authentix has helped recover $11 billion in lost revenue for our clients. www.authentix.com
About HYDRAC
HYDRAC is a Cameroonian company involved in the testing and analysis of hydrocarbon products and has extensive, modern facilities with experienced personnel, as well as experience in operating large scale inspection projects in West and Central Africa. www.hydracsa.com