How to Check a Medicine Barcode in Pakistan: 1D vs 2D Codes Explained
What the barcode on your medicine can and cannot prove, how to scan the new 2D codes, and how to spot a copied or mismatched code.
6 min readUpdated
Table of contents8 sections
Quick answer
A normal striped barcode on a medicine only identifies the product, not your pack, so it cannot prove authenticity. A square 2D code can contain the batch, expiry and a unique serial: decode it, check it matches the printed pack, then verify the serial on DRAP's track-and-trace portal.
Key takeaways
- A regular striped barcode identifies the product line, not your pack. It cannot prove authenticity.
- A square 2D code can carry a unique serial for each pack, plus batch and expiry.
- Always cross-check the decoded batch and expiry against what's printed on the pack.
Two kinds of barcode on Pakistani medicine packs
| 1D barcode (EAN-13) | 2D code (DataMatrix / QR) | |
|---|---|---|
| Looks like | Vertical stripes with 13 digits | Small square of dots |
| Identifies | Product & pack size | Product, batch, expiry, unique serial |
| Can prove pack is genuine? | No | Only when verified by the official system |
| Easy to copy? | Yes | Yes, which is why online verification matters |
How to scan and read a 2D code
- 1
Open the decoder
Use our free 2D Code Decoder or the scanner on the Verify page. Your camera image never leaves your phone.
- 2
Read the fields
You'll see the GTIN (product number), batch (10), expiry (17) and serial (21).
- 3
Cross-check
Type the batch and expiry printed on the carton. The decoder flags any mismatch.
- 4
Verify officially
Confirm the serial on DRAP's track-and-trace portal, drugtrace.dra.gov.pk ↗.
What the 13-digit barcode actually tells you
The digits under a striped barcode form an EAN-13/GTIN. The first digits identify the company's GS1 prefix (Pakistan's GS1 prefix is 896), the middle digits the product, and the last digit is a checksum. A pack made for the Pakistani market often starts with 896, but imported products carry their origin country's prefix, so a different prefix alone isn't suspicious.
Do barcode scanner apps verify medicines?
General barcode apps only read the numbers and maybe search the web. They don't connect to DRAP's records and can't tell a copied code from a real one. Use them to read a code, then rely on official verification and the other checks in our complete guide.
Warning signs in a barcode
- Decoded batch or expiry differs from the printed pack
- GTIN check digit is invalid (our decoder tests this automatically)
- Code is a sticker placed over the original print
- QR code opens a random website instead of containing product data
- Several packs from the same seller carry the identical serial
Common questions
Can I check a medicine by its barcode number?
A 13-digit barcode only identifies the product line. To check an individual pack you need its 2D code and the official verification system.
Does a missing barcode mean the medicine is fake?
Not necessarily. Some locally made or older packs lack 2D codes. Use the other checks: packaging, batch alerts and registration.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. DrugTrace.pk is independent and not affiliated with DRAP.
Topic hub
Mehfooz Dawa & Track and Trace
DRAP's official serial verification: Mehfooz Dawa, the portal and 2D codes.
- Mehfooz Dawa app ★
- Mehfooz Dawa check
- Drug track and trace portal
- drugtrace.dra.gov.pk guide
- Mehfooz Dawa & DRAP verification
- Medicine QR code scanner
- GTIN number check
- 2D DataMatrix codes
- Check medicine barcode (this page)
- 2D code decoder tool
Related topics
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