According to aspects of the embodiments, there is provided systems, computer readable media, and methods to authenticate a customer replaceable unit (CRU) in a printer system by comparing a validation code in the CRU with a printer generated validation code. The Validation Code is a string of numbers and/or characters that can be referred to as a value. The validation code will be comprised of a value string including programmed characters representing a combination of all or portions of a market program designator or code, consumable identification (ID) information and a randomly generated value, which may be hidden from view. The code is independently established by the printing system or device using the same algorithm and information and validates the resulting Code when they match. The printing system or device must confirm the Validation Code and ID applicability of the consumable to deem it appropriate for use.