The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has made 2D barcodes and unique serial numbers mandatory for eligible medicines. The new rules took effect on October 9, 2026. They are part of Pakistan’s Pharmaceutical Track and Trace System. The system aims to improve medicine verification and help authorities fight counterfeit, falsified and unregistered drugs.
Under the new rules, eligible medicine packs must carry a standardised 2D Data Matrix barcode and a unique serial number. These features will help track medicines from manufacturing or import to distribution and sale.
How the DRAP 2D Barcode System Works
The new system uses digital records to identify and track individual medicine packs. A conventional barcode may identify a product type. However, serialization gives each pack its own unique identification number. This makes it easier to trace a specific medicine pack through the supply chain.
According to the government’s announcement, the system will help regulators identify suspicious products. It will also improve supply-chain transparency and make medicine recalls easier. In addition, consumers may be able to access product details and check medicine authenticity through available verification services.
Which Medicines Are Covered?
The first phase covers eligible pharmaceutical products made in Pakistan or imported into the country. According to available reports on the regulatory framework, the requirements include pharmaceutical and biological medicines for both human and veterinary use.
However, the rules do not necessarily apply in the same way to every product regulated by DRAP. Manufacturers and importers should check the relevant requirements for their products.
The rules also include an exception for older stock. Batches manufactured before October 9, 2026, remain eligible for import, distribution and sale under the exemption clarified in DRAP’s circular.
Therefore, an older medicine pack without the new barcode is not automatically illegal or counterfeit. However, it must still meet other applicable requirements for registration, quality and expiry.
What Manufacturers and Consumers Should Know
DRAP has directed pharmaceutical manufacturers and importers to follow the required technical standards. The authority has also published guidance and training material to support the rollout of the digital tracking system.
In addition, DRAP’s October 8 notification confirms that compliance became mandatory on October 9, 2026.
For consumers, the DRAP 2D barcode system aims to make medicine verification easier and strengthen protection against counterfeit products. DRAP also provides an official barcode-scanning application that displays basic medicine information.
However, the presence of a barcode alone does not prove that a medicine is genuine. Consumers should use available verification services and purchase medicines from authorised pharmacies.
DRAP has warned that failure to comply with the applicable rules may lead to legal action. Therefore, manufacturers, importers and other stakeholders must follow the relevant requirements as the Pharmaceutical Track and Trace System moves forward.
2 Responses