Countries / Asia-Pacific

India

Medicines, tobacco, alcoholChecked 17 Oct 2026
SystemDrugs Rules Schedule H2 (domestic QR); export serialization
Code on the productBarcode or QR code with product code, batch, dates and licence number
AggregationNot required domestically.
First stepRegister your products and GTINs in the national system: Drugs Rules Schedule H2.
Supplier checklist (PDF)

Overview

Since 1 August 2023 the top 300 drug brands must carry a QR or barcode on the pack. A June 2026 notification extends this to all vaccines, anti-cancer and narcotic drugs from 1 July 2027 and to antimicrobials from 1 July 2028. Exported medicines have their own serialization rules.

If you supply this market

  1. Register your products and GTINs in the national system: Drugs Rules Schedule H2.
  2. Print a unique serialised code on every saleable pack.
  3. Verify every code on the line; aggregate into cases and pallets where required.
  4. Report production and shipments to the national system.

Typical steps for this type of regime. The exact rules are in the sources. Choosing equipment: printing methods.

Timeline

Coming next

  • 1 Jul 2027Vaccines, anti-cancer and narcotic drugs
  • 1 Jul 2028Antimicrobials

Already in force

  • 1 Aug 2023Top 300 brands (G.S.R. 823(E))
  • 22 Jun 2026Notification extending the QR rule

What the code looks like

QR code on the label (Schedule H2)

QR code on the label (Schedule H2)

Unique product code
Identifies the product
Generic and brand name
What is in the pack
Manufacturer
Name and address
Batch, manufacturing and expiry date
Batch-level data
Licence number
Manufacturing licence

Content order and format are set by the manufacturer; the rule lists the required data. Illustration built on the GS1 example GTIN; the code does not identify any product.

How this code is built →

Frequently asked questions

Is product marking mandatory in India?

Yes, for medicines, tobacco or alcohol, depending on the product: Drugs Rules Schedule H2. Other consumer goods are not marked unit by unit.

What is already in force?

1 Aug 2023: Top 300 brands (G.S.R. 823(E)); 22 Jun 2026: Notification extending the QR rule.

What code goes on the product?

Barcode or QR code with product code, batch, dates and licence number.

Is aggregation required?

Not required domestically.

What changes next?

1 Jul 2027: Vaccines, anti-cancer and narcotic drugs; 1 Jul 2028: Antimicrobials.

Does every medicine in India need a QR code?

Not yet. Since August 2023 the top 300 brands do. Vaccines, anti-cancer and narcotic drugs follow from 1 July 2027, antimicrobials from 1 July 2028.

Where can I check the rules?

Start with MediaNama: QR code on top 300 brands. All sources are listed at the end of this page.

Sources

Checked 17 Oct 2026. Seen something outdated? Send a correction.