Manufacturing of Medicines Without 2D Barcodes Banned in Pakistan

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has recently introduced a new regulation mandating the use of two-dimensional (2D) barcodes for all medicines manufactured within the country, effective October 10. This new rule applies to both local pharmaceutical companies and multinational corporations, necessitating compliance by each party.

Every medicine, be it injections, syrups, capsules, or tablets, must bear a 2D barcode accompanied by a unique serial number. This requirement extends to imported medicines as well, prohibiting their sale in Pakistan without the mandated barcode.

The barcode system is designed to enhance the accessibility of medicine information. Through a dedicated mobile application, pharmacies, medical stores, and consumers will be able to retrieve details regarding product authenticity, pricing, expiry dates, and quality-related information. This development has been accompanied by comprehensive training programs for pharmaceutical company representatives and other relevant stakeholders. Provincial officials have also been trained on the implementation of the barcode system.

The regulation applies broadly to different medicine formulations, rather than being restricted to specific categories. Consequently, both local manufacturers and multinational companies must integrate the barcode and serial number into their production processes. For consumers, this system aims to simplify the verification process of medicine authenticity by providing convenient access to product details via their mobile devices.

It is crucial to note that imported products must comply with the barcode requirement before they can be sold nationwide.