Innovative Technology (ITL) are a global provider of age estimation technology designed to assist with the age check process using AI facial analysis. Bergens, based in France, have been named as their approved reseller and provider of age & identity verification solutions to businesses in the region to help prevent the sale of prohibited products to minors. 

Thorsten Labusch, VP of Sales & Business Development (Retail) said, “I am delighted to officially welcome our first Trading Partner in France. They will be our dedicated distributor for our age & identity verification range, focussing specifically on MyCheckr Mini  and selling directly to retailers. We have been working with Bergens for some time now and they have already established a strong foothold on our behalf.  They have successfully introduced our age estimation technology to many tobacconists throughout the region and are seeing some great results.  The signing of this Trading Partner agreement is really just a formality and cements our already established business partnership.”

MyCheckr Mini is a compact tool which performs assisted age estimation. The device which features an easily visible 360-degree LED indicator with integrated camera makes it the ideal verifier for stand-alone installation, without a cash register connection.

Stephan Rosseneu, owner of Bergens commented,  “You cannot typically buy tobacco and vape products in supermarkets in France, these products are primarily sold in tobacconists or “Buralistes" which are licensed to sell tobacco and hence make up a large proportion of the local retail market. The onus is on tobacconists to prevent youth access to these age restricted products. MyCheckr Mini offers rapid age verification through facial analysis, ensuring compliance with laws that prohibit the sale of tobacco to those under 18.  In addition to helping with legislation compliance we have also received positive feedback from tobacconists who say that since their stores have been equipped with MyCheckrMini  it has successfully deterred the number of young people presenting fake identity cards plus it helps end the sometimes uneasy argument between the shopkeeper and the customer when asking for ID. MyCheckr is great tool to help with age checks and it’s rewarding to see so many buralistes keen to implement the technology. I am delighted to become ITL’s first Trading Partner for France and look forward to an exciting partnership ahead.”

Concluding Thorsten said, “I am really pleased to continue to work with Stephan now that he is focussing all of his time heading up Bergens. With numerous trial sites already live in tobacco shops throughout France, I am sure we will see these numbers grow significantly.  We have also recently appointed Stephane Bourdin as our new Business Development Manager for the region who will be responsible for our full product range and will work closely with Bergens on the biometrics portfolio.”