Unique identifier labels and tags used to authenticate, track and trace products as part of a system for authenticating and tracking a plurality of objects in commerce; The system includes a label that includes an electronic security layer configured to receive an interrogation signal, store authentication data and tracking data, retrieve the authentication data in response to the interrogation signal, and transmit a response message including at least a portion of the authenticating data and the tracking data; The label also includes an optically encoded indicia layer affixed to the electronic security layer corresponding to at least a portion of the authentication data stored in the electronic security layer; A computer is coupled to the interrogation device and configured to generate indication data based on the authentication data; The indication data indicates whether the label is an authentic label; The label is part of a system to provide greater level of security by protecting the product, packaging and movement of the product as it travels through the supply chain.