Pakistan makes barcodes mandatory on medicines to curb counterfeits
Pakistan makes 2D barcodes on medicines mandatory from Oct. 9 under DRAP rules to curb counterfeit drugs and track products across the supply chain
Haris Zamir
Business Editor
Experience of almost 33 years where started the journey of financial journalism from Business Recorder in 1992. From 2006 onwards attached with Television Media worked at Sun Tv, Dawn Tv, Geo Tv and Dunya Tv. During the period also worked as a stringer for Bloomberg for seven years and Dow Jones for five years. Also wrote articles for several highly acclaimed periodicals like the Newsline, Pakistan Gulf Economist and Money Matters (The News publications)
Pakistan has made two-dimensional (2D) barcodes and serialisation mandatory on locally manufactured and imported pharmaceutical products from October 9, 2026, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) said in a notification.
The government aims to curb counterfeit medicines and improve transparency across the drug supply chain.
What are 2D barcodes on medicines in Pakistan?
Each pharmaceutical product must carry a unique two-dimensional Data Matrix barcode and serial number. The code allows the product to be tracked through the supply chain. DRAP says the initiative aims to prevent the circulation of spurious, falsified, counterfeit and unregistered medicines, facilitate product recalls and improve supply chain transparency.
Who must comply with the barcode requirement?
Manufacturers and importers must comply with the requirements under amendments to the Drugs (Labelling and Packaging) Rules, 1978, introduced through S.R.O. 963(I)/2026, DRAP said. They must also meet the technical specifications set out in the amended rules. Noncompliance could lead to legal action under applicable legislation.
The requirements apply to all registered pharmaceutical products manufactured in Pakistan or imported into the country on or after October 9, 2026. This is the first phase of DRAP’s Pharmaceutical Track and Trace System.
Medicine batches manufactured locally or imported before that date are exempt, DRAP said. They may continue to be imported, distributed and sold.
How is DRAP helping the pharmaceutical industry prepare?
DRAP said it had consulted industry bodies, including the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association and Pharma Bureau, as well as importers, to support implementation. The authority also held technical sessions, workshops and training roadshows across the country. These covered barcode standards, serial number generation, vendor readiness and integration with its e-Services portal.
It has published guidelines on Data Matrix barcodes and serialisation, along with video tutorials and user assistance materials, to help pharmaceutical companies meet the requirements.
The rollout is part of DRAP’s Strategic Plan for the National Regulatory System 2026-30. The plan aims to modernize pharmaceutical regulation and digitise the country’s drug regulatory framework.
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