ISLAMABAD: The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has made two-dimensional (2D) barcodes and unique serial numbers mandatory for locally manufactured and imported pharmaceutical products to combat counterfeit and substandard medicines.
Under the new regulations, pharmaceutical products manufactured or imported on or after October 9, 2026, must carry a unique 2D Data Matrix barcode and serial number under Pakistan’s Pharmaceutical Track and Trace System.
According to DRAP, the initiative aims to modernise pharmaceutical regulation, strengthen transparency and improve the monitoring of medicines throughout the supply chain.
The first phase covers locally manufactured and imported pharmaceutical products, including medicines intended for human and veterinary use. However, products manufactured locally or imported before October 9, 2026, remain exempt from the new requirement and can continue to be imported, distributed and sold.
DRAP has instructed pharmaceutical manufacturers and importers to follow the prescribed technical standards. The authority has also warned that violators will face legal action.
The track-and-trace system aims to prevent the circulation of counterfeit, falsified, unregistered and substandard medicines. It will also facilitate product recalls and strengthen accountability across the pharmaceutical sector.
Furthermore, DRAP has consulted industry stakeholders, including the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association, Pharma Bureau and medicine importers.
Consumers will be able to scan barcodes on medicine packaging to verify product authenticity, helping protect public health and build confidence in medicines available across Pakistan.
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