India expands drug QR code tracking
Analysis based on 33 articles · First reported Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 25, 2026
The new regulations by the Bangladesh — Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India are expected to positively impact the pharmaceutical industry by reducing the circulation of counterfeit drugs, thereby increasing consumer trust and potentially boosting sales for legitimate manufacturers. However, pharmaceutical companies will incur costs associated with implementing the QR code system, which could affect their short-term profitability.
The Bangladesh — Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India has expanded its QR code-based drug traceability framework to include all vaccines, antimicrobials, anti-cancer medicines, and narcotic and psychotropic drugs. This move, achieved through amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945, mandates manufacturers to print or affix QR codes on product packaging. These codes will store vital information such as product identification, generic and brand names, manufacturer details, batch numbers, and manufacturing/expiry dates, accessible via software applications. The initiative aims to strengthen the pharmaceutical supply chain, curb counterfeit medicines, and combat Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR). The implementation will be phased, with provisions for vaccines, anti-cancer, and narcotic drugs effective from July 1, 2027, and for antimicrobials from July 1, 2028. This significantly broadens the scope of traceability, which was previously limited to the top 300 pharmaceutical brands.
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