Watch out for vintage YSL fakes!
In recent years, the market has been flooded with counterfeit bottles using batch codes copied from famous lots.
Most free online tools can’t distinguish between YSL’s code systems, resulting in incorrect dates and unreliable appraisals.
VIPER cross-checks batch code, labels, packaging, and production details: only then can you truly know what you own.
In recent years, the market has been flooded with counterfeit bottles using batch codes copied from famous lots.
Most free online tools can’t distinguish between YSL’s code systems, resulting in incorrect dates and unreliable appraisals.
VIPER cross-checks batch code, labels, packaging, and production details: only then can you truly know what you own.
What is a YSL batch code and why does it matter?
The Yves Saint Laurent batch code is a string of numbers (sometimes letters), engraved or printed under the bottle or on the box.
YSL’s coding systems have changed several times:
- 1980s and 1990s: numeric lots, 4-5 digits, often engraved on the glass or printed under the bottle.
- From 2004: alphanumeric codes (letters and numbers), either on the bottle or the box.
- Limited editions, travel sets, and gift boxes: sometimes use unique batch codes.
Only the VIPER tool (and a manual expert check) can reliably date every YSL perfume.
Curiosities & YSL historical trivia
- Some YSL batch codes from the 1980s and 1990s show graphic variations and engraving details that help experts distinguish early lots from later ones.
- Opium and Kouros are among the most counterfeited YSL fragrances: in the 1990s, even genuine bottles sometimes came with recycled packaging and altered codes.
- Certain 1990s Jazz bottles have batch codes with misprints or swapped digits—now especially sought after by collectors.
- Special export lots for the USA and Japan often used slightly different codes and packaging details.
- The reformulation of Rive Gauche made pre-IFRA versions highly coveted: batch code and packaging are key to distinguishing them.
- Collectors in Japan and Korea pay record sums for YSL bottles with original batch code, box, and period accessories.
- In international auctions, complete lots of Paris or Opium with clear batch codes and sealed packaging have fetched record prices.
Decode your YSL batch code now
You can use the service even without registration. In case of doubts, choose manual YSL decoding and get a real expert’s opinion (photos welcome).
Collectibility and value:
The vintage YSL market is booming: well-kept bottles with a readable batch code, original box and accessories can be worth much more than you think—especially for limited editions, discontinued versions or pre-reformulation bottles.
The vintage YSL market is booming: well-kept bottles with a readable batch code, original box and accessories can be worth much more than you think—especially for limited editions, discontinued versions or pre-reformulation bottles.
Real testimonial:
“A VIPER user sent us a vintage Opium with an almost invisible batch code: our manual check certified it as one of the very first productions—its value doubled at auction.”
“A VIPER user sent us a vintage Opium with an almost invisible batch code: our manual check certified it as one of the very first productions—its value doubled at auction.”