The barcode is so pervasive in worldwide commerce that it’s hard to believe its use is still increasing. Now add prescription drug anti-counterfeiting measures to the list.
In November 2018, the FDA will start enforcing the Drug Supply Chain & Security Act (DSCSA) regulation that requires all manufacturers and packagers to apply a unique 2-dimensional (2D) barcode (the GS1 DataMatrix) on every prescription drug container (e.g., bottle/carton and case) to be sold in the U.S. Similar regulations are taking effect around the world that will eventually impact re-packagers, distributors and other supply chain organizations as well.