The Government of India has expanded its QR code-based track-and-trace system to cover all vaccines, antimicrobials, anti-cancer drugs, and narcotic and psychotropic medicines. The move aims to improve drug safety and prevent the circulation of counterfeit and substandard medicines across the supply chain.
According to the Union Health Ministry, amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945 now place these categories under Schedule H2, making it mandatory for manufacturers to print barcodes or QR codes on medicine packaging. These codes will help verify product authenticity using digital applications throughout distribution and retail channels.
The QR code will carry detailed product information, including a unique identification number, brand and generic names, manufacturer details, batch number, manufacturing and expiry dates, licence number, and other relevant data.
Earlier, this requirement applied only to the top 300 pharmaceutical brands. With the new expansion, it now includes a much wider range of critical medicines.
The new system is expected to strengthen safeguards against fake drugs and support efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The implementation will be phased, with vaccines, cancer drugs, and narcotics covered from July 1 this year, while antimicrobials will come under the rule from July 1, 2028.
