The Union Government has announced a major step to strengthen medicine safety by making QR codes mandatory on the primary packaging of critical medicines from July 1, 2027. The move aims to curb the circulation of counterfeit medicines and improve transparency across the pharmaceutical supply chain.
Under the revised rules, all vaccines, anti-cancer medicines, and narcotic and psychotropic drugs will be required to carry a QR code or barcode on their packaging. The QR code will allow consumers, healthcare professionals, and regulators to verify the authenticity of medicines by scanning it through supported applications.
The digital code will contain important product information, including the medicine’s generic and brand names, manufacturer details, batch number, manufacturing and expiry dates, licence number, and other essential identification data. This information is expected to improve traceability and help detect counterfeit or substandard medicines at different stages of distribution.
The Health Ministry has expanded the QR code-based track-and-trace framework by bringing these medicines under Schedule H2 of the Drugs Rules, 1945. Earlier, similar identification requirements were applicable only to the country's top 300 pharmaceutical brands. The latest amendment significantly widens the coverage to include critical categories of medicines.
Officials said the initiative is expected to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve consumer confidence, and support efforts to prevent fake medicines from entering the market. The system will also make it easier for consumers to verify the medicines they purchase before use.
The government has provided manufacturers with sufficient time to implement the new requirements before they become mandatory in July 2027. Authorities believe the measure will enhance safety, accountability, and transparency across India's pharmaceutical sector while ensuring that genuine medicines reach patients without disruption.
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