Tag Archives: QR-code

The New GS1 Digital Link Standard

There is competition in the 2D barcode world between Data Matrix, QR Code and PDF417.  Which do you like?  Why?  Before you choose, do you know the features and benefits of each so you can make an intelligent choice?  Now that I’ve asked all those questions, I need to take a step back. For meeting the U.S. Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), Congress already made the choice for you.  It’s the same in the E.U., the European Commission made the same choice.  They both picked Data Matrix.  You can’t use QR Code or PDF417 or any other kind of barcode or RFID on prescription drug packages in those markets, or you won’t be compliant and your trading partners won’t want to do business with you.  Does that bother you?  It shouldn’t.  The problem is, some countries around the world are flirting with mandating QR-Codes for drugs rather than Data Matrix. 

Let’s take a look at these three types of barcodes, and in the process, we’ll take a closer look at GS1’s new Digital Link Standard.

Continue reading The New GS1 Digital Link Standard

Barcoding Regulation For India’s Domestic Drug Supply

India has recently made moves to impose a new barcoding requirement for all drugs procured by state and federal governments for domestic public consumption.  The new requirements are part of the preference to “Make In India” program that is intended to “…promote manufacturing and production of goods and services in India with a view to enhancing income and employment.”

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The Next Markets To Impose Pharma Serialization and Tracing?

Digital WorldThe pharmaceutical markets that currently have a serialization and/or tracing regulation on the books include the United States, the European Union, China, Brazil, India, Italy, Turkey, South Korea, Argentina, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.  Not all are fully operational yet, but they are official.  This list may be about to grow by two. Continue reading The Next Markets To Impose Pharma Serialization and Tracing?