During last week’s FDA DQSA supply chain stakeholder’s conference call I was heartened by Ilisa Bernstein’s comments about the linear barcode rule (she says the FDA just calls it “the barcode rule”). The question was asked by a caller whether or not the linear barcode requirement might be dropped in light of the 2D barcode requirement contained in the Drug Quality and Security Act (DQSA) since some drug packages are too small to accommodate both barcodes. This is an excellent question and I was happy the caller asked it so directly.
In her response, Dr. Bernstein pointed out that the FDA had already done some work to look at the barcode rule a few years ago and now that the DQSA has passed, they intend to look at the barcode situation holistically. That is encouraging because it makes it clear that the FDA will at least consider eliminating the linear barcode requirement entirely at some point in the future. In my view, the linear barcode has outlived its usefulness and the FDA should jump at this golden opportunity to leave linear barcodes behind and bring the industry into the 2D world so it can begin to reap the benefits (see “Why NOW Is The Time To Move Away From Linear Barcodes”). They should look at the DQSA as an actual Congressional mandate to do so.
That’s right, the Drug Supply Chain Security Act, which is Title II of the DQSA, requires all non-exempt drug packages to include a 2D DataMatrix barcode on them before November 27, 2017 (repackaged drugs, before November 27 2018). Here is the exact wording from section 582(a)(9).
“PRODUCT IDENTIFIERS- With respect to any requirements relating to product identifiers under this subchapter—
(A) unless the Secretary allows, through guidance, the use of other technologies for data instead of or in addition to the technologies described in clause (i) and (ii), the applicable data—
(i) shall be included in a 2-dimensional data matrix barcode when affixed to, or imprinted upon, a package; and
(ii) shall be included in a linear or 2-dimensional data matrix barcode when affixed to, or imprinted upon, a homogeneous case; and(B) verification of the product identifier may occur by using human-readable or machine-readable methods. …”
And under “Manufacturer Requirements”, section 582(b)(2),
“PRODUCT IDENTIFIER-
(A) IN GENERAL- Beginning not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act, a manufacturer shall affix or imprint a product identifier to each package and homogenous case of a product intended to be introduced in a transaction into commerce. Such manufacturer shall maintain the product identifier information for such product for not less than 6 years after the date of the transaction. …”
And under “Repackager Requirements”, section 582(e)(2),
“PRODUCT IDENTIFIER-
(A) IN GENERAL- Beginning not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act, a repackager described in section 581(16)(A)—
(i) shall affix or imprint a product identifier to each package and homogenous case of product intended to be introduced in a transaction in commerce;
(ii) shall maintain the product identifier information for such product for not less than 6 years after the date of the transaction;
(iii) may engage in transactions involving a product only if such product is encoded with a product identifier (except as provided pursuant to subsection (a)(5)); and
(iv) shall maintain records for not less than 6 years to allow the repackager to associate the product identifier the repackager affixes or imprints with the product identifier assigned by the original manufacturer of the product. …”
The only problem is, there are a lot of companies out there in the supply chain that have made heavy investments in barcode readers that are only capable of reading linear barcodes, and they still have quite a few more years before they will start failing and need replacing. Some of those folks always cry out whenever the FDA starts making noises like they might allow manufacturers to eliminate the linear barcode.
My fear is that will cause the FDA to continue to require linear barcodes for some period of time after November 2017 when the 2D barcode will become a requirement. Requiring the new 2D barcode without removing the linear barcode requirement would be the worst possible outcome because it will take up more real estate on drug packages and it will delay the use of the 2D barcode which will delay the benefits to the industry and to patients. You need to be ready to counter the arguments of those who will fight to keep the linear barcode. Be ready when the FDA asks for public input on the matter sometime early next year.
And don’t forget to fill out the 2014 RxTrace U.S. Pharma Supply Chain Traceability survey. Click on the banner below to fill it out now. It only takes a few minutes and your input will help us understand the industry’s aggregated thinking on topics directly related to the DQSA. You will want to see the results in early 2014, so why not contribute your anonymous input now. If you have already filled out the survey, thank you!
Dirk.
Dirk, As usual, well said. It’s long past time for the linear barcode to take a rest.
In terms of providing input to the FDA, a few thoughts…
I would propose going a bit farther down the 2D path, while perhaps giving the linear barcode folks a bit of leeway, at least temporarily. Four things that I’d propose:
1) require ECC200 compatibility in the 2D barcodes;
2) allow the linear barcodes to remain for say, 3yrs;
3) place no constraints on the “dot” size to be used in the 2D codes; and,
4) require the immediate removal of any product that has a “non-readable” code from the supply chain.
Why these 4?
1) ECC200 compatibility would drive the best readability possible with the 2D encoding, virtually eliminating the WORST thing possible, MISINFORMATION in the information systems.
2) While ALLOWING the linear barcode to remain in use for a fixed period, this would allow those parties who cannot afford an immediate move to 2D to execute a longer transition from 1D to 2D. However, that allowance would sharply ENCOURAGE their transition as rapidly as possible by adding to their cost of placing both the 2D and linear codes, in terms of both processing costs ($ and time) and “real estate” on the products.
3) By placing no constraints on the “dot” size of the 2D datamatrix, the supply chain would have some affordability flexibility in matching their reader costs to their mark size to their pocketbooks.
4) In my experience, misinformation is FAR WORSE than NO information, and I would hold that in the pharmaceutical industry, this is particularly true.
Other’s thoughts?
Hi Dirk
This issue is also pertinent to China where linear barcodes are currently the required format for Rx traceability. I’m told this data carrier was chosen due to the very large installed base of laser-based linear barcode readers and the difficulty of replacing them all at once. Developing a clear and sensible migration path from linear to 2D codes, recognising the realities in the supply chain, would be a useful exercise for the FDA to sponsor and catalyse. The output might even prove a template for persuading the Chinese to come on board with GS1 standards and datamatrix codes as the next phase of system development in China. With global (as well as federal) traceability in mind, addressing these practical issues early with clear guidance will pay dividends.
Best, Mark