Drug labelling norms under review: Expiry date readability flagged; govt panel to examine packaging reforms

India’s top drug regulator has set up a sub-committee to revamp labelling norms on medicinal products after receiving consumer complaints about illegible expiry dates and glossy packaging that hampers readability.The Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC), under the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), took up the issue earlier this month and recommended the formation of a sub-committee to examine labelling and packaging issues in detail. The panel will also explore the need for regulations covering suppliers of packaging materials and printed foils under the Drugs Rules, 1945.“Various concerns have been raised by consumers from time to time like letters of expiry date are too small and hence it’s important to look at this matter,” a government official told ET.The Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC), under the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), has decided to set up a sub-committee to examine labelling and packaging issues of medicinal products in detail, following a rise in consumer complaints about unreadable expiry dates and glossy medicine strips. The sub-committee will also assess the feasibility of introducing regulatory provisions for packaging material and printed foil suppliers under the Drugs Rules, 1945. In a move aimed at enhancing accessibility and patient safety, the government is also considering implementing voice-assisted QR codes and braille cards on medicine strips. This initiative, officials said, is intended to improve transparency and make drug packaging more patient-friendly.A separate committee will be constituted to evaluate the feasibility of these digital upgrades, the report added.