Answers to your questions on RFID, NFC, and digital identities in healthcare

These FAQs answer some of the questions we receive from pharma manufacturers, healthcare providers, and healthcare solution providers on how digital identity and intelligent labeling improves safety, trust, and efficiency.

Table of content

Smart packaging - What is it and why it matters

Technology explained – RFID & NFC and their applications

Data & privacy – what information is stored and how it’s secured

Implementation & getting started – pilot timelines and available support

I would like to know more

Together we’re connecting the physical and digital to solve healthcare’s biggest challenges.

Smart packaging - What is it and why it matters

What is smart packaging?

Smart packaging integrates digital technologies such as RFID, NFC, or sensor-enabled tags into medicines, devices, or packaging. Each item gains a unique digital identity that can be read, verified, and connected to secure data systems.

Why is smart packaging important in healthcare?

Smart packaging is addressing significant healthcare challenges. It is estimated that 10% of medical products in some countries are counterfeit or sub-standard, and up to 50% of prescriptions are either not collected by patients, or not taken as prescribed. Smart packaging gives every item a digital identity turning it into a source of trusted data which can be used to directly reduce counterfeit risk, supports medication adherence, and gives caregivers accurate, real-time information.

Who benefits from smart packaging?

Patients gain confidence and better treatment guidance. Caregivers save time and reduce errors. Manufacturers gain visibility and control across global supply chains. Regulators and partners benefit from greater transparency and compliance.

How does smart packaging fit into the broader healthcare ecosystem?

It connects every product to the data systems that manage it (i.e. interoperability with hospital inventory systems, distribution networks, and patient-facing applications).

Technology explained – RFID & NFC and their applications

What’s the difference between UHF RFID and NFC?

UHF RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and NFC (Near Field Communication) use similar technology but serve different purposes. UHF RFID works at longer ranges, ideal for automated inventory and logistics. NFC operates at close range, allowing patients to verify and interact with products using smartphones.

What is dual-frequency RFID?

Dual-frequency combines UHF RFID (long-range) and NFC/HF (short-range) in a single tag. This enables both large-scale supply-chain visibility and direct patient engagement through one identifier.

Can these tags be sterilized or used on medical devices?

Avery Dennison has designed a sterilization compliant portfolio that can withstand sterilization processes such as gamma and EtO. They are manufactured in ISO 13485 certified facilities and are ARC approved for healthcare applications.

Do these technologies interfere with other medical equipment?

No. RFID and NFC are passive technologies (they contain no battery or active transmission) and operate safely within regulated frequency bands that do not interfere with medical devices.

Data & privacy – what information is stored and how it’s secured

What information is stored on an RFID or NFC tag?

The tag stores only a non-personal product identifier such as batch, serial, or expiration data. No patient information is stored on the tag itself.

Who owns or controls the data?

The manufacturer, brand owner, or healthcare provider deploying the solution owns and controls the data. Avery Dennison does not collect or access end-user or patient data, and our role is to provide secure, interoperable RFID and NFC components within your compliant systems.

How is data secured?

Each tag uses encrypted unique identifiers that can be validated against secure databases. NFC tags can include tamper-evident features and password protection to prevent unauthorized cloning or modification.

Can RFID track patients or reveal personal details?

No. RFID and NFC tags are passive. They respond only when scanned at close range and cannot transmit continuous location or personal information.

Does this technology comply with privacy regulations (GDPR, HIPAA)?

Yes. Implementations are designed to comply with local and international privacy frameworks. Since no personally identifiable data is stored on the tag, Smart Packaging solutions remain GDPR- and HIPAA-compliant.

Implementation & getting started – pilot timelines and available support

How do we begin a smart packaging project?

Most companies start with a pilot program focused on one therapy area or product line. Avery Dennison supports partners through technology selection, tag design, encoding standards, and integration with existing packaging or ERP systems.

How long does implementation take?

Typical pilots last 3–6 months depending on complexity and regulatory requirements. Full-scale rollouts can follow once interoperability and validation are confirmed.

What infrastructure is required?

UHF RFID solutions require RFID readers for reading tags at key points in the supply chain. NFC requires no additional hardware, patients can use their smartphones. Avery Dennison works with a network of system integrators to deliver end-to-end deployments.

What about cost and ROI?

The return on investment typically comes from reduced product loss, better adherence, fewer recalls, and greater operational efficiency. In most cases, these savings outweigh the marginal cost of tagging.

What support does Avery Dennison provide?

Our experts and partners offer guidance on design, compliance, and sustainability, from inlay choice to data model setup and pilot validation. We help scale successful pilots globally.