Mandatory bar coding on pharma exports to benefit tech providers

Was initially scheduled to be implemented in January 2012

The mandatory bar coding on secondary packing for exports of pharmaceutical products is set to benefit technology providers in the industry like ACG Inspection, one of the leading providers of high-tech vision inspection systems, said Harpal Singh, Director-Business Development, ACG Inspection.

Initially scheduled to be implemented in January 2012, the regulation sought pharmaceutical companies to implement bar-coding of export consignments, in order to help implement track and trace and reduce counterfeit medicines entering the supply chain. However, industry associations argued that small-scale manufacturers were finding the regulation capital intensive and even filed a case challenging the public notice issued by Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

Nevertheless, the Hon'ble High Court of Chennai ruled the case in favour of the government and asked companies to implement secondary packing bar-coding by January 1, 2013.

ACG Inspection sees this as an opportunity for its track and trace solution - Verif-i. Built to ensure consumer safety and safeguard brand image, Verif - i serves as one of the best anti-counterfeit as well as supply chain security measures.

Backed by ACG Worldwide and its complete range of pharmaceutical, packaging and R&D expertise, Verif-i has been tested thoroughly to ensure it seamlessly and quickly integrates with ACG or any other packing lines.

“The ACG industry expertise is what differentiates us. Our tightly integrated businesses have allowed us to create class-leading products and complement them with excellent customer service,” said Singh.

With just over a week past the deadline, pharmaceutical companies that haven’t invested in track and trace solutions are at the risk of losing export sales.

Singh added, “A quick deployment of Verif-i can help pharma companies avoid loss of revenues, while enhancing supply chain security and safeguarding brand image.”