The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has set October 9 as the deadline for implementing a mandatory 2D barcode and serialization system on all medicine packaging across the country.
Under the new regulations, pharmaceutical manufacturers and importers must print a unique 2D barcode and serialization data on every pack of human and veterinary medicines.
DRAP will oversee the nationwide rollout of the Pharma Track and Trace System to improve transparency across the pharmaceutical supply chain.
The authority has issued implementation directives to pharmaceutical companies and notified key industry stakeholders, including the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA), Pakistan Veterinary Pharmaceutical Association (PVPA), Pharma Bureau, drug inspectors, and provincial drug control authorities.
The federal cabinet has already approved the initiative through amendments to the Drugs Labelling and Packing Rules, 1978. Pharmaceutical companies have been instructed to complete all necessary preparations before the October 9 deadline to ensure full compliance.
Once the system becomes operational, consumers will be able to verify the authenticity of medicines by scanning the 2D barcode with a smartphone.
The barcode will also provide essential product information, including the expiry date, usage instructions, and official retail price.
Officials believe the digital track and trace system will strengthen medicine safety, improve product traceability, and help prevent counterfeit and substandard medicines from reaching consumers.
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