Chennai: It is not drugs alone that should be standardised, even packaging of pharma products require standardisation. To ensure uniformity in pricing of packaging and help boost exports too, the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) is in the process of formulating a set of norms for packaging pharma products for Indian companies. Drugs might be affordable or sold for a higher price, but packaging costs could be offered uniformly by setting standards in packaging, ultimately benefiting consumers, it was pointed out.
The issue of simplification of bar coding in case of small, intermediate and bulk packs will also be followed as part of standardisation, an official said and added that the move would have numerous benefits.The standardisation proposals would be submitted to the Union Commerce Ministry for implementation.
The issue of ensuring uniformity in packaging medicines to rationalise cost of blister packaging, strip or packaging cartons, emerged at a recent meeting with pharma exporters in the national capital. IIP an autonomous body in the field of packaging and working under the Union Commerce and Industry Ministry, had also suggested the industry to print expiry date behind each tablet in the strip pack. The IIP has urged the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India to implement printing of expiry date on the back of each tablet as early as possible.
