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DCC recommends setting up a sub-committee for regulation of printed pharma packaging materials industry
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Gireesh Babu, New Delhi
July 10 , 2026
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The drug authorities are examining a proposal to bring in a regulatory framework for manufacturers and suppliers of printed pharmaceutical packaging materials in order to curb illicit diversion and misuse of these products in spurious and counterfeit drugs circulation.
The move is expected to safeguard public health and protect supply chain integrity by blocking the chances of infiltration of spurious and counterfeit drugs into the pharmaceutical supply chain.
The Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC), the advisory committee that advises the Central and State governments on matters related to uniform implementation of the drugs regulations, has in its latest meeting discussed a proposal in this regard and recommended the constitution of a sub-committee to evaluate the feasibility of the proposal.
The Committee meeting, held on June 24 through hybrid mode, was apprised about a proposal to introduce an online registration framework for manufacturers/suppliers of printed pharmaceutical packaging materials used for drugs.
"...it was recommended to constitute a subcommittee to evaluate the feasibility of the proposal for introducing an online registration framework for manufacturers/suppliers of printed pharmaceutical packaging materials used for drugs in light of the definition of “drug” and “manufacture” under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940," said the Committee.
The sub-committee may submit its report on various points including the necessity and feasibility of such a registration for packaging materials, and suggest an appropriate regulatory framework for insertion under the Drugs Rules, 1945, by way of amendment.
If such regulation is not feasible, the sub-committee should submit its recommendation on any other measures considered necessary to prevent diversion and misuse of pharmaceutical packaging materials in the manufacture and circulation of spurious and counterfeit drugs.
It may also invite experts from industry, including the packaging industry, and if required, the opinion of a legal expert may also be taken.
The Committee directed that the report of the sub-committee may be placed before the DCC for further deliberation.
According to a report by market research company IMARC Group, the Indian pharmaceutical packaging market has reached the size of $2020 million in 2025, with expectations to report a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.86% during 2026 to 2034, to reach $3650 million by 2034.
The industry produces primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging of medicinal products and are available in various types including ampoules, bottles, vials, blister packs, and sachets, it adds.
The industry is working on innovative products for the pharmaceutical manufacturers and marketers, to strengthen their foothold in the market. The industry also leverages strategic collaborations to increase their market share and profitability, added the report.
It may be noted that the central government has in the recent years mandated Quick Response (QR) Codes or bar codes in the primary packing label of top selling pharma brands including antibiotics, all vaccines, antimicrobials, anti-cancer medicines and narcotic and psychotropic drugs, for traceability and to strengthen safeguards against the circulation of counterfeit and substandard medicines.
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