Drugmakers Get More Time To Join The ‘Track and Trace System For Exports
Context:
DGFT extends the deadline for implementation to August 1. Manufacturers granted time for ensuring that data about maintaining parent-child relationship in packaging levels for export of drug formulations is uploaded on the central portal
Points to ponder:
- The pharmaceutical track and trace system is a logistical technology that allows drugs to be tracked and located along the supply chain.
- To secure the domestic pharmaceutical supply chain, Turkey became the first country in the world to adopt an end-to-end pharmaceutical track and trace system in 2012.
- Following the successful installation, countries such as Argentina and Saudi Arabia began to implement the drug tracking and tracing system. China, the United States, and European Union member countries are also working to develop an end-to-end pharmaceutical track and trace system. India is also in the process of developing its own system
- The Indian government has granted drug producers another delay until August 1 to establish the Track and Trace system for pharmaceutical export consignments.
- The Track and Trace system was developed for at least eight years to address issues such as counterfeit pharmaceuticals and product recalls.
- The latest extension was granted after the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) cited difficulty in adopting the system.
- The Track and Trace system will first cover secondary and tertiary packaging, with the main packaging coming later.
