A system for managing the unlocking of a device for identifying a commercial item includes at least two elements capable of assuming a locked position in which they enclose the article between them, and an unlocked position. The system includes a device for unlocking the identification device, elements for preventing unlocking, which are activated, and decision elements for deciding whether to deactivate or not deactivate the elements for preventing unlocking. The decision elements are capable of deciding on the basis of the identification or lack of identification of the association of the identification device and the commercial item to which the device is attached.