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Bar coding for pharma exports was made mandatory after several stakeholders consultation: Commerce Min

Updated: Mar 29, 2017 11:05:25am
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Bar coding for pharma exports was made mandatory after several stakeholders consultation: Commerce Min

New Delhi, Mar 29 (KNN) Bar coding for pharmaceutical exports was made mandatory after conducting several stakeholders consultation and putting out public notices in advance, Commerce & Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told Parliament.

With a view to protect the brand value of Indian pharma and counter the allegations against Indian Pharma Industry as exporter of spurious/counterfeit drugs, bar coding has been made mandatory only for the pharmaceutical exports (Formulations).  

Manufacturer or exporter of drug formulations will print the bar code as per GSI Global Standard at different packaging levels to facilitate tracking and tracing of their products as per the procedure prescribed by DGFT on 5th January 2016 .

Sitharaman said Department of Commerce through Department of Pharmaceuticals had received a representation in February 7, 2014 addressed to Prime Minister from SME Pharma Industries Confederation (India) highlighting various issues inter-alia the point alleging that barcoding for export of medicine was mandated by Department of Commerce without consulting the AD (Administrative) Ministry or SME Ministry. 

She said it was informed to SME Pharma Industries Confederation (India) that DGFT Public Notice was issued on January 10, 2011 to implement the bar code on drugs and pharmaceuticals meant for exports only. 

Prior to this several stakeholders’ consultation were held.  It was also informed that Bar code system would be followed in phased manner.

Further, she also said that DGFT through Public Notice on 5.1.2016 gave one time exemption to all manufacturers (SSI & Non-SSI Manufacturers) from maintenance of Parent-Child relationship in packaging and its uploading on central portal upto 31.3.2016, all SSI drug manufacturers were granted further exemption from the requirement of maintaining Parent Child relationship in packaging levels for a period upto 31st March, 2017.

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