QR Codes and Drug Safety: India's Top 300 Brands Set a New Standard

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posted by Shubham Automation - on November 27, 2023

The pharmaceutical landscape in India has long been marked by its adaptability to evolving healthcare needs. Over the years, the industry has continually advanced, leveraging innovation to cater to the dynamic requirements of a growing population. In June 2022, a watershed moment emerged as the Union Ministry of Health introduced a seminal amendment to the Drug Rules of 1945. The primary goal of this regulation was to augment drug safety, traceability, and authenticity, heralding a QR code revolution within the pharmaceutical sector. This regulatory shift represents a significant leap toward a more secure and transparent pharmaceutical environment.

The QR Code Mandate

The notification was released by the Ministry of Health on June 14th, 2022, marking the start of a revolutionary path for the pharmaceutical business. According to the legislation, the primary and secondary-level packaging labels for the top 300 drug brands ought to have QR codes on them. But this was only the start of the adjustments.

The draft notification outlined various specifics, including what data these QR codes should store. Here's a look at some of the critical information that these QR codes are required to include:

  • Unique product identification code: Each drug is assigned a unique code for easy identification.
  • Proper and generic drug name: Ensuring clarity about the medication's composition.
  • Brand name: Identifying the pharmaceutical company responsible for the drug.
  • Name and address of the manufacturer: Providing transparency about the drug's origin.
  • Batch number: For tracking and quality control.
  • Date of manufacturing and date of expiry: Vital information for consumers.
  • Manufacturing license number: For regulatory compliance.

This level of detail in the QR codes ensures that not only can patients verify the authenticity of their medication, but also regulatory authorities can better track and monitor the pharmaceutical supply chain.

Public Input and Implementation Date

Any objections and suggestions regarding the amendments in the Drug Rules of 1945 are welcome from the public. Interested individuals could provide their input within 30 days from the date of the notification's issuance. This transparent approach allowed for collective input, ensuring the regulations meet the needs of all stakeholders.

The official implementation of these rules was on May 1st, 2023. This gave pharmaceutical companies and relevant stakeholders sufficient time to adapt and comply with the new regulations.

QR Codes Also on APIs and Serialized Packaging

It's worth noting that this isn't the first time QR codes have been introduced in the pharmaceutical sector in India. A previous amendment mandated the printing of QR codes on all Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) or bulk drugs, with QR codes on all levels of packaging. This comprehensive approach ensures that not only the final drug product but also the ingredients are traceable.

The DGFT Guidelines

The Indian government has issued guidelines from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) concerning serialized coding on secondary packaging and aggregation up to the tertiary level. This signifies a holistic approach to track and trace within the pharmaceutical industry.

QR Codes For Your Products and Shubham Automation 

In the midst of these changes, we are playing our part to be instrumental in providing solutions and services for Serialization & Track and Trace. These services help pharmaceutical companies adhere to the new regulations and protect their brands and products. We specialize in Vision-Based Inspection Systems for various industries, including healthcare, food and beverage, and automobiles.

With global trade becoming more seamless, the need for heightened security and product traceability is greater than ever. We partner with our clients to provide robust and secure solutions that ensure product and client safety while maintaining regulatory compliance.

The QR code revolution in India's pharmaceutical industry is not just about complying with new regulations. It's a significant step forward in ensuring drug safety, authenticity, and traceability. With these changes, patients can have greater confidence in the medicines they consume, and the industry as a whole can work toward a safer and more transparent future. The journey toward the implementation of these rules is indeed a unique and promising one for the Indian pharmaceutical sector.

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