DRAP bans sale, import of medicines without 2D barcodes
Pakistan's DRAP mandates 2D barcoding for all locally manufactured and imported pharmaceuticals to combat counterfeit drugs.
Intelligence analysis by Qwen 2.5 (3B)
Pakistan's DRAP has introduced a new requirement for all locally manufactured and imported pharmaceutical products to carry a 2D barcode for enhanced transparency and to combat counterfeit drugs.
The DRAP in Pakistan is making all medicines carry a special code that lets people check if the medicine is real or fake. This helps stop bad medicines from hurting people.
Analysis
{"heading_1":"Modernizing the Pharmaceutical Regulatory Framework","paragraph_1":"The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has mandated the use of 2D barcoding for all locally manufactured and imported pharmaceutical products to modernize the country's pharmaceutical regulatory framework.","paragraph_2":"The system will be introduced in phases, starting with locally manufactured and imported products on or after October 9, 2026. Batches manufactured or imported before this date will remain exempt from the requirement.","paragraph_3":"The DRAP has warned that legal action will be taken against those found violating the regulations. The authority has also held consultations with key industry stakeholders to facilitate implementation of the system.","paragraph_4":"The 2D barcode will enable consumers to verify the authenticity of medicines by scanning the code printed on the packaging, thereby strengthening public confidence in the pharmaceutical supply chain."}
Key points
- DRAP mandates 2D barcoding for all locally manufactured and imported pharmaceuticals
- The system will be phased in starting October 9, 2026
- Older batches will remain exempt from the requirement
The new system will help prevent fake medicines from being sold, which can be dangerous. It will also make it easier to find and remove fake medicines from the market.
Some older medicines might not have the new code, so people might still get fake medicines. Also, it might be hard for small businesses to comply with the new rules.
