DRAP makes 2D barcodes mandatory

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has made two-dimensional (2D) barcodes and serialization mandatory for pharmaceutical products manufactured locally or imported into Pakistan on or after October 9, 2026, to curb counterfeit medicines and strengthen supply chain transparency.

In a notification issued under the amended Drugs (Labelling and Packaging) Rules, 1978, DRAP said the requirement would apply to all registered drug products manufactured locally or imported from the effective date under the first phase of the Pharmaceutical Track and Trace System. However, medicine batches manufactured locally or imported before October 9, 2026, have been exempted.