DRAP Introduces Barcodes and Unique Serial Numbers for Medicines

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has implemented new regulations to enhance traceability of medicines in the country. Starting from October 19, 2026, all pharmaceutical and biological medicines must feature unique serial numbers and barcodes on their packaging, according to a recent notification. The new system mandates that products lacking barcodes will be unable to be sold in the market post the deadline.

This move enables authorities to track medicines via a digital platform, maintaining records from manufacturing to patient use.

DRAP has instructed the pharmaceutical industry to prepare for the implementation of the new system and has planned training workshops for manufacturers in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. These workshops are conducted based on the directives of the DRAP chairman. The serialization framework covers allopathic medicines, including biological products for human and veterinary use. However, it doesn't apply to alternative medicines, nutraceuticals, medical devices, medical gases, and radiopharmaceuticals.