rfxcel Traceability System Archives

Compliance Management: Key Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Posted on June 12, 2023August 4, 2023 by rfxadmin

Effective compliance management takes time and effort, but it’s much better to be prepared and prevent problems before they occur. Violating the regulations that govern your industry means you risk losing customers, damaging your reputation, and hurting your bottom line. Fortunately, taking a proactive approach means you can address many of the compliance challenges that companies face. Let’s take a closer look at compliance management systems and their benefits.

What Is Compliance Management?

Companies in any sector must understand and follow the local, state, federal, or international regulations that affect how they do business. Compliance management is the set of tools and procedures that a business uses to ensure they follow the laws that govern its industry. Regulatory requirements may be established by:

Government entities
Labor unions
Trade associations or other industry organizations

For example, pharmaceutical companies have to comply with the U.S. Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), whose requirements include product serialization and electronic, interoperable data exchange. Similarly, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) has specific requirements for traceability and data-sharing.

Why Is Compliance Management Important?

Compliance requirements are often in place to ensure ethical behavior toward customers or competitors. Clear, enforceable regulations set standards for businesses, governments, and civil society organizations.

Failure to adhere to applicable laws or regulations could result in fines, fees, suspension of business operations, revocation of licenses or certifications, or other compliance issues. Thus, many businesses create and establish governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC) programs to minimize their risk.

Three Approaches to Compliance Management

A compliance management solution can vary from simple to complex and must be uniquely tailored to suit an organization’s structure and industry. Three common methods of compliance management are:

Strict, Top-Down Approach

This is the most rigid approach to compliance management. Internal policies are created and implemented by the person or team at the top of the organizational chart. There is no room for flexibility or interpretation. A top-down model is usually needed when the health, safety, and welfare of employees or the people they serve are paramount. For example, a daycare operator must follow all the state and local regulations created to keep minors safe.

Hands-Off Approach

In contrast, a hands-off approach is the most flexible type of compliance management. In this model, leadership may establish compliance standards, but the implementation of day-to-day business processes is handed off to middle managers or other employees.

This approach can work in certain situations. For example, a franchisor that has retail food establishments in different states may be subject to health department inspections in each state. Recognizing that each franchisee is subject to a different set of regulations, they may leave it up to each site manager to implement training or an inspection checklist at their respective franchise.

Shared or Distributed Model

In this approach, compliance activities are shared by employees across the organization. Instead of receiving strict guidelines from a central authority, departments or teams may share the responsibility of creating and implementing compliance activities. Or, the organization may issue a central policy and solicit feedback from employees on what to change or improve. A distributed model can work especially well when companies are implementing newly issued regulations and need feedback from staff on the front lines of their industry.

Compliance Management Challenges

Thoughtful, proactive implementation of compliance measures helps save time and money down the line. But compliance management is not without its challenges, which can include:

Evolving regulatory landscape: Whether you’re a startup or a multinational corporation, keeping up with new and changing regulations can be difficult. In an increasingly complex corporate environment, it makes sense that organizations may struggle to stay up to date.

Changing working environments: In recent years, more and more businesses have embraced a hybrid work model. While letting employees work from anywhere can help organizations stay nimble, it also exposes them to a new set of cybersecurity risks and HR challenges.

Vendor management: You can’t be an expert in everything. Understandably, businesses often partner with third-party vendors for certain services, whether it’s benefits management, IT support, or legal services. Improper vetting or insufficient due diligence can mean that you end up working with vendors that are out of compliance with your industry requirements.

Pharmaceutical, Food and Beverage, and Cosmetics

Companies in the pharmaceutical, food, and beverage, and cosmetics industries face unique challenges when it comes to compliance management. Consumers need to know that the food they eat, the medicine they take, and the personal care products they use are safe.

Pharmaceutical compliance regulations such as the U.S. DSCSA and the EU Falsified Medicines Directive (EU FMD) are in place to improve patient safety, ensure product integrity, and keep counterfeit drugs out of the supply chain. For the food industry, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and guidelines like the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), are in place to make the food supply safer and reduce rates of foodborne illness. Regulations for cosmetics vary widely from country to country, but generally, companies must take steps to ensure their products are safe, have complete ingredient labels, and they can verify their labeling claims.

Throughout all these industries, regulatory bodies are increasingly looking to improve supply chain transparency and traceability.

Compliance Management Best Practices

Companies can support regulatory compliance through best practices such as:

Thorough documentation: When in doubt, document everything, even if it’s not mandated by law. A central document repository makes it easy for employees across the organization to find the information they need and prevent non-compliance.

Set data standards: Be sure that you’re meeting the industry standards for high-quality data across all business operations. Inaccurate or incomplete data means you’ll be less prepared for accurate compliance reporting.

Education and engagement: Know your industry inside and out. Staying connected with industry associations, participating in continuing education, and attending events and conferences helps the organization stay up to date on industry changes and trends.

How to Create a Compliance Management Program

Whether you’re implementing compliance management at a new business or overhauling an existing compliance program, these steps are critical:

Conduct a Thorough Risk Assessment

Start by assessing internal and external risks that could affect regulatory compliance. Review each department to identify and document potential issues and to collect qualitative and quantitative data that you can compare against regulatory standards.

Establish Corporate Policies and Procedures

Look to industry guidance to help you create an initial draft of your compliance policy. You’ll likely need input from stakeholders across the organization, including IT, HR, legal, financial, and risk management leaders. If you don’t already have a compliance officer in place, you’ll need to appoint (or hire) one.

Communicate the Plan and Provide Training

Once your organization has a final compliance policy, it must be communicated to all staff and board officers. Set aside time for dedicated training on the policy, how to use a compliance checklist, and how to conduct an internal audit. Make sure all staff is familiar with any regulatory changes or new rules for recordkeeping and reporting.

Account for Routine Maintenance

Schedule regular reviews of your organization’s compliance policy to ensure it reflects changes in your industry or business operations. Budget the resources to help your compliance team stay abreast of changes in the industry and new regulations.

Conduct Periodic Compliance Audits

Routine internal audits can help identify potential issues before they snowball. Plus, periodic audits ensure your company is better prepared to respond to inquiries from government or regulatory bodies. If violations or vulnerabilities are discovered through an internal audit, take remediation steps immediately and review existing policies to see if there’s a way to prevent similar problems in the future.

Compliance Management Solutions

In addition to a set of internal procedures, a compliance management solution should include:

Auditing tools
Ongoing compliance training and education for staff
Board and management oversight

Additionally, workflow tools and apps can help organize compliance processes and automate certain tasks, like data analysis.

Compliance Management Systems

Today, many organizations rely on digital tools to streamline their compliance efforts. A well-designed compliance management system (CMS) can:

Improve data quality and business analytics
Ensure consistency across multiple business locations or branches
Make tracking, traceability, and reporting easier
Automate routine tasks so employees can focus on other business priorities
Minimize an organization’s overall risk exposure

Compliance Management Software

Compliance management software offers a central platform for communicating, overseeing, and documenting compliance activities across an enterprise. We’re committed to improving compliance management through supply chain transparency. With our tailored industry solutions, you can track your supply chain in real-time, no matter where your business is located. rfxcel serves businesses in the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and consumer goods industries around the world. To learn more about our compliance software solutions or schedule a demo, contact us today.

India Track and Trace Requirements Update: APIs, iVEDA, and Barcoding

Posted on September 27, 2022August 4, 2023 by rfxadmin

It’s been a busy year with India track and trace requirements. The Ministry of Health has extended a deadline, announced a new deadline, and released new draft rules concerning key areas of the country’s pharmaceutical regulations.

There are deadlines coming up in the next 6 months, so let’s take a look at what’s happening with these India track and trace requirements..

India track and trace requirements for 2023

The upcoming India track and trace requirements affect three areas of manufacturing: labeling active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), reporting, and product labeling for the Top 300 brands. We’ll go in chronological order:

Labeling APIs: January 2023 deadline

Starting January 1, 2023, all imported and domestically manufactured APIs must be labeled with QR codes “at each level packaging that store data or information.” The government says this will help combat falsified drugs.

This is the culmination of a process that began in June 2019, when the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) approved a proposal mandating QR codes on APIs. At that time, DTAB estimated that the regulation would affect approximately 2,500 APIs.

The QR codes must contain 11 data points:

1. 1. Unique product identification code
  2. Name of the API
  3. Brand name (if any)
  4. Name and address of the manufacturer
  5. Batch number
  6. Batch size
  7. Date of manufacturing
  8. Date of expiry or retesting
  9. Serial shipping container code
  10. Manufacturing license number or import license number
  11. Special storage conditions required (if any)

QR codes will also link to a national database with pricing data from the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority.

Companies are required to get a GS1 Company Prefix, a unique number that identifies a company as the owner a barcode and the product to which it’s affixed, and a GS1 Global Location Number. GS1 Global Trade Item Numbers will serve as the “unique identification code.”

Reporting to the iVEDA Portal: March 2023 deadline

On April 4, 2022, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) released a public notice that extended to March 31, 2023, the deadline for export reporting to the Integrated Validation of Exports of Drugs from India and its Authentication (iVEDA) portal. The change applies to both small-scale industry (SSI)- and non-SSI-manufactured drugs.

The deadline for this requirement has been postponed at least four times, starting in 2018, when India track and trace requirements centered around another reporting portal, the Drugs Authentication and Verification Application (DAVA). As we reported when iVEDA was launched, the deadline was changed from April 1, 2020, to October 1, 2020. It was changed again in April 2021 and, as we’re discussing now, in April 2022.

Draft regulations for barcoding pharma products: May 2023 deadline

On September 5, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare published draft guidelines for barcoding the Top 300 brands in the country, all of which are named in “Schedule H2” of the announcement. The rules will come into force on May 1, 2023.

The goal of these India track and trace requirements — like so many other regulations around the world — is to combat counterfeiting, diversion, and unauthorized sales. The rules stipulate that eight data points must be incorporated into a “Bar Code or Quick Response Code” to be printed on or affixed to the primary packaging:

- - Unique product identification code (e.g., GTIN)
  - Proper and generic drug name
  - Brand name
  - Batch number
  - Expire date
  - Manufacturer name and address
  - Manufacture date
  - Manufacturing license number

If there is “inadequate space in primary package label,” the codes must be placed on the secondary packaging.

Industry observers have noted concerns with the guidelines, including:

- - QR codes may not be practical for data-dense pharmaceutical labeling.
  - The guidelines may not actually help fight counterfeits, diversion, and unauthorized sales.
  - In order for the eight mandated data points to be readable, labels would have to be unrealistically large — too big to fit on most packages.
  - It’s not clear if 2D DataMatrix codes would meet the requirements for a “Bar Code” in the guidelines.
  - GS1 standards are not required; in fact, they’re not mentioned at all.

To this last point, the initial response seems to point toward a call for GS1 standards: DataMatrix for barcoding, GTINs to identify products, use of two-digit Authentication Identifiers.

Final thoughts

India track and trace requirements are obviously evolving. Expect more changes as the deadlines for APIs, iVEDA reporting, and barcoding get nearer.

But one thing won’t change: India will continue to cultivate its position in the global pharmaceutical industry. Consider these statistics from its Department of Pharmaceuticals 2020-21 Annual Report:

- - The Indian pharmaceutical industry is the world’s third largest by volume and 14th largest in terms of value.
  - It has the second-most FDA-approved plants for generic drug manufacturing outside the United States.
  - It accounts for 60% of global vaccine production.
  - It is the world’s third-largest API market (8% share of global API industry, 500+ APIs manufactured in India, and it contributes 57% of APIs on the World Health Organization’s Prequalified List of APIs).

Our team has worked in the India pharma market for many years and understand its complexities, challenges, and benefits. We have offices and experienced staff in the country. And our signature Traceability System and Compliance Management solution have helped our customers keep up with India track and trace requirements and remain competitive.

Contact us today to lean more about the India track and trace requirements and to arrange a demo. In about 15 minutes, one of our supply chain experts can show you how we can maximize your impact in India.

UAE Tatmeen Track and Trace System: Just the Facts

Posted on September 13, 2022August 4, 2023 by rfxadmin

There’s a deadline coming up for the UAE Tatmeen track and trace system, so we figured it was a good time to take another look at the platform that will, as the government says, “safeguard the entire supply chain.” We’re going to focus on just the facts today. For a more comprehensive look, check out the article we wrote earlier this year.

What is the UAE Tatmeen track and trace system?

“Tatmeen” means “assurance” in Arabic. The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) introduced the system in June 2021 “to ensure protection of public health and improve the security of healthcare at all stages.” It will do this by tracking and tracing all pharmaceutical products and medical devices that enter the country.

In addition to MOHAP, three UAE-based organizations are involved in the Tatmeen system:

- - The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) oversees the “complete health sector” in Dubai and promotes engagement with the private sector. Tatmeen will integrate with the DHA’s electronic medical record system and utilize its paperless drug and medical supplies management system.
  - The Department of Health—Abu Dhabi is the regulative body of the healthcare sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It “shapes the regulatory framework for the health system, inspects against regulations, [and] enforce[s] standards.”
  - EVOTEQ is a “digital transformation catalyst” that promotes innovation, including digitalization, particularly in public-private partnerships.

GS1 UAE is also involved, as the UAE Tatmeen track and trace system is based on GS1 standards. This includes using GS1’s BrandSync platform as a central reporting repository.

How does the UAE Tatmeen track and trace system work?

Tatmeen is structured around GS1 barcodes and scanning products as they enter the country and move through the supply chain. Explained simply, the process looks like this:

1. 1. Manufacturers put a GS1 barcode on every product. Manufacturers are responsible for aggregation. They must obtain a license from MOHAP to import “conventional, biological or other human pharmaceutical products.” As in other countries, this is a multi-step process. See the MOHAP website for more information.
  2. Customs officials scan products to get detailed information and verify they are legitimate before allowing them into the country.
  3. Distributors and logistics providers scan to keep track of inventory, provide another layer of protection, and help ensure products are delivered to the right place in a timely manner.
  4. Healthcare providers at hospitals, clinics, and other facilities scan to verify a product’s legitimacy and expiration date prior to dispensation.
  5. Patients and consumers can also scan to check the safety and authenticity of products.

Tatmeen timeline, next deadline, and news

As we noted above, MOHAP introduced the UAE Tatmeen track and trace system last June. The first deadline was Dec. 13, 2021, when manufacturers and marketing authorization holders had to be registered with the BrandSync platform and begin using 2D DataMatrix codes.

Truth be told, it’s been pretty quiet since then, with industry getting ready for the next deadline — Dec. 13, 2022 — which concerns serial number reporting, aggregation, and Global Location Numbers (GLNs). See our previous article for those details.

Several updated technical documents have been posted on the Tatmeen website this year:

- - Technical Guide for Dispensers (v2.0, March 21, 2022)
  - Technical Guide for Logistics (v3.0, May 30, 2022)
  - Technical Guide for Manufacturers (v4.0, July 6, 2022)

The Tatmeen Serialization Implementation User Guide, “GS1 Barcoding of Conventional Medicines: An Introduction and Reference Guide,” is still in v1.0, dated Aug. 10, 2021.

One notable event was a 4-day Tatmeen workshop held this past June. Co-hosted by MOHAP and EVOTEQ, it gathered representatives from the DHA, the Department of Health–Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Health Services (EHS), and Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security to discuss progress made, attracting manufacturers, and connecting stakeholders in the platform.

Speaking at the workshop, Ahmad Ali Al Dashti, assistant undersecretary for the support services sector at MOHAP, and Ali Al Ajmi, director of MOHAP’s Digital Health Department, said the UAE Tatmeen track and trace system is leveraging technology to transform the health sector and continue the country’s position as a role model for assuring the safety of pharma products, including by fighting counterfeits.

Final thoughts

The UAE Tatmeen track and trace system is the perfect example of how the global push for pharmaceutical traceability and serialization is not slowing down. Quite the opposite, in fact.

Sure, some regulations and big deadlines get more attention than others — the U.S. Drug Supply Chain Security Act leaps to mind — but rest assured other countries are hard at work to modernize and digitalize their supply chains. A few examples that we’ve covered recently include Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Egypt, and The African Medicines Agency.

We’re here to help you understand the global regulatory landscape, answer your questions, and help ensure you’re able to do business everywhere you supply chain goes. In terms of the Middle East specifically, we have people on the ground implementing traceability hubs in Lebanon and the Kingdom of Bahrain; we have the know-how to make your supply chain safe, secure, and compliant while optimizing your operations and growing your business.

Contact us today to learn more. In about 15 minutes, we can show you how our automated, intuitive technologies actually make it easy to meet regulations and improve your supply chain.

Sustainability in the Cosmetics Supply Chain: Tracking and Tracing for a Greener Future

Posted on August 30, 2022August 4, 2023 by rfxadmin

The health and beauty industry is under increasing pressure from regulatory bodies and consumers to maintain and demonstrate due diligence in their supply chains. Forward-thinking companies are responding by making cosmetics supply chain sustainability an integral part of their mission statements and consumer engagement activities.

For example, “The Big 3” are prioritizing cosmetics supply chain sustainability. L’Oréal puts environmental and social performance at the heart of its business to drive value. Estée Lauder’s mission is “to bring the best to everyone we touch and to support the environment in which we live.” And Unilever reports thoroughly on environmental and ethical statistics, including water, energy, greenhouse gases, waste and plastic packaging, sustainable sourcing, and community investment.

So let’s take a look at sustainability in the cosmetics supply chain. The industry faces a slew of challenges with sustainability, such as environmental and human rights issues, counterfeiting, an evolving regulatory landscape, changes in consumer behavior, and utilizing new technologies, and all affect their decisions and processes.

What is “sustainability”?

Before we get into cosmetics supply chain sustainability, let’s take a step back for a moment and talk about sustainability generally.

Sustainability might seem to be a relatively new concept, but it has been around since the 19th century, when some industries sought to improve working environments and create less pollution. In the 1960s, new laws and organizational bodies were introduced to address pollution in the United States and Europe.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) “is required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) to evaluate all major agency actions to determine if they will have a significant impact on the human environment.” Federal agencies implement NEPA and evaluate the possibility for environmental impacts by condcuting categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, and environmental impact statements.

The European Commission says it “aims to ensure coherence between industrial, environmental, climate and energy policy to create an optimal business environment for sustainable growth, job creation and innovation.”

In 2015, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) adopted the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025, which “promotes and ensures balanced social development and sustainable environment that meet the needs of the peoples at all times.”

If you read our Global Cosmetics Market white paper, you’ll know why we used the United States, Europe, and Asia as examples: They’re the world’s top cosmetics markets — and their regulators are concerned about sustainability.

What is cosmetics supply chain sustainability?

Cosmetics supply chain sustainability addresses the environmental and human impact of products, from the sourcing and production of raw materials, through to manufacturing, packaging, distribution to the final customer, and post-consumer activities.

Increasingly, there are calls for cosmetics supply chain sustainability standards to be made mandatory. The European Parliament in March passed a resolution to tackle environmental and human rights in EU supply chains. This new Supply Chain Act will require organizations to integrate sustainability into corporate governance and management systems, and frame business decisions in terms of human rights, climate, and environmental impact.

The United States is yet to follow suit, but consumer groups are letting the government know they want tighter standards for the raw materials used in cosmetics.

Even without government mandates, organizations that want to burnish their environmental credentials would do well start with their supply chains. In a January 2021 report called Net Zero Challenge: The Supply Chain Opportunity, the World Economic Forum states that companies wanting to improve their environmental and social performance can look to their supply chains to make cost-effective improvements.

Environmentally responsible production: the rise of “Clean Beauty”

Much of the drive toward sustainability is coming from consumers, who want to know that ingredients are pure (or at the very least safe) and have been ethically sourced. For example, 62 percent of Generation Z consumers (born in the late 1990s) prefer to buy from sustainable brands, and 73 percent will pay more for sustainable products.

In the United States, where the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from being used in cosmetics, there is mounting pressure for stricter regulations. For example, environmental and consumer advocate groups such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG) believe more chemicals should banned, like in the EU, where 1,300+ substances are prohibited from being used in cosmetics.

This is part of larger “Clean Beauty” movement that advocates for safe, clean ingredients and transparency in product labeling. According to a

Clean Beauty is also concerned with ethical sourcing of ingredients. Consumers want reassurance that their cosmetics are not linked to issues such as deforestation, pollution, and animal or child cruelty. The primary problem here is that a wide variety of cosmetic products use a few “core” ingredients, many of which pose unique challenges for achieving sustainability in the cosmetics supply chain. They are difficult to obtain sustainably and ethically, and child labor, poor working conditions, and illegal mining are common.

For example, a 2016 report from the Amsterdam-based nonprofit Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO) found that more than 20,000 children are forced to work in mica mines while their families live in severe poverty. Similarly, palm oil, the global market for which is expected to reach $57.2 billion by 2026, has a history of human rights problems. Palm oil is used for moisturizing or texture effects.

As more companies stake their reputations on being sustainable and consumers become more aware and demanding, it’s certain that the call for cosmetics supply chain sustainability will only get stronger.

How can we achieve cosmetics supply chain sustainability?

As we’ve seen, cosmetics companies operate in a challenging environment where many groups — including consumers, perhaps their most important audience — are calling for them to achieve sustainability in their supply chains.

To be successful, they must be able to adapt to changes in the market as technology, product development, and consumer sentiment shape the industry. Whether it’s faster production methods, demand for new products, or desire for ethical and sustainable options, companies must be able to change with the market if they want to survive and succeed.

The key takeaway is that cosmetics supply chain sustainability is not a pipe dream. Technology and solutions exist right now to help companies evaluate their operations and identify strengths, weaknesses, and pain points and take corrective action. These include supply chain digitalization, cloud-based data systems, and real-time monitoring. For instance, a 2021 report by Gartner said that digitalization is a key enabler of agility because it supports a more transparent, automated, intelligent, and orchestrated end-to-end supply chain.

Final thoughts

Sustainability. Consumers want it. More and more regulators are demanding it. It’s good for the planet. It’s good for people. It’s a business best practice.

Is it difficult to attain sustainability? Yes and no. It is a process. It has a lot of moving parts that may require tough decisions. But if a company has the will to be sustainable, it can develop strategies, chart a course, and get to work … and reap the benefits.

Technology is essential for sustainability. rfxcel and Antares Vision Group are committed to helping companies meet their sustainability goals and empowering them to protect product, profit, people, and planet.

Our Traceability System enables you to see and follow everything in your supply chain in real time from virtually anywhere in the world. It makes every product a “digital asset” with a certified, sharable provenance that proves to consumers and regulators that your sustainability initiatives are real and working as intended. Its intuitive, scalable solutions can be used individually or as a complete platform to shepherd sustainability initiatives to completion and create end-to-end traceability, transparency, and visibility.

Contact us today to see how it works. And be sure to check out our other resources about the cosmetics industry, sustainability, and traceability:

Healthcare Value Chain: What It Is and Why It Is Important

Posted on August 29, 2022August 4, 2023 by rfxadmin

In the healthcare sector, delayed, lost, and damaged products can cause grave danger, as patients might not receive the medicines they need on time and many items are susceptible to fluctuations in environmental conditions. That’s why it’s crucial to have a reliable and robust healthcare value chain.

Let’s examine the critical role that the healthcare value chain plays. Our technologies and solutions help pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and other healthcare stakeholders streamline and manage their entire supply chain, from procurement to distribution.

Understanding the healthcare value chain

Most may believe that the value chain and supply chain are synonymous. However, they are two different terms describing different aspects of supply logistics. The supply chain refers to the movement of goods from suppliers to customers; the value chain encompasses all activities involved in creating and delivering a product or service.

In other words, the supply chain is more about the physical movement of goods and the value chain adds value to a product, including production, marketing, and customer support after the sale. So, the healthcare value chain allows medical institutions to provide patients with the best possible care by ensuring they have the supplies and treatments they need when they need them.

What happens in a healthcare value chain?

Understanding the activities involved in the healthcare value chain is the first step in managing and streamlining its processes. We’re talking about logistics, operations, marketing and sales, and service.

Inbound logistics. The value chain is not a product-driven process, so explaining inbound logistics can be challenging. Generally, inbound logistics in a value chain refers to the quality of inventory and the management of that inventory. Value-driven inbound logistics ensures that all inventory is accounted for and is of the highest quality. This includes checking that items are not expired or damaged and meet all necessary requirements (e.g., internal quality control, standard operating procedures).

Operations. The operations stage of the healthcare value chain is where the actual product or service is produced. In this value-driven scenario, product operations and/or manufacturing aim to reduce waste and create efficiencies. This might involve automating processes, changing production methods, and improving the quality of raw materials. In healthcare, the goal of operations might be to streamline the manufacturing of drugs or medical devices.

Outbound logistics. Like inbound logistics, outbound logistics in a value chain should strive to ensure that a product or service reaches the customer in the best possible condition and in a timely manner. In healthcare, this means making sure that patients receive their supplies and treatments when they need them, as well as ensuring products are safe and legitimate.

It’s also important to note that outbound logistics isn’t just about the distribution of supplies outside a warehouse. It also concerns how medical institutions distribute supplies internally. This is important to consider when managing a hospital or other medical facility.

Marketing and sales. Marketing and sales in the healthcare value chain focus on creating demand for a product or service. Traditionally, this includes advertising, promotions, and other marketing initiatives. In a value-driven context, marketing and sales are strategically designed to go beyond a one-time sale to create long-term relationships with customers. There are numerous ways to do this, ranging from creating educational materials for patients and promoting online services to partnering with insurance providers.

Service. The service stage of the healthcare value chain is where post-sales activities occur, such as continuing customer support, repairs, and maintenance. Value-driven service helps maintain customer satisfaction with the product or service and helps ensure their needs are being met. Customer loyalty programs, follow-up communications, and offering extended warranties are common examples.

The healthcare value chain in numbers

Now that we’ve summarized the different stages of the healthcare value chain, let’s look at some numbers that help illustrate why these processes are so vital to the healthcare industry.

One 2019 report found that clinicians devote about 17 percent of their time to logistics and storage management activities. This affects their productivity and the quality of care they can provide.

The report also found that more than 4,500 different medical devices and products are recalled every year — and 10 percent of these have the potential to cause harm or death. One study published by the well-known consulting outfit McKinsey & Company reported that the “costs of a single non-routine quality event, like a major recall, have been as high as $600 [million] in medical device companies.”

The long-term business benefits of an effective healthcare value chain

An effective healthcare value chain creates benefits beyond improving quality of care and securing patient safety and satisfaction. It creates business benefits, including:

Improved profitability. An effective healthcare value chain can boost a bottom line by improving supply systems, reducing waste, and creating efficiencies across healthcare systems.

Promoting innovation. Less waste and more efficient systems mean savvy companies can devote more resources to R&D that can lead to innovation in all realms, including the development of new treatments or therapies and better manufacturing and distribution schemes.

Helping meet business goals. An effective healthcare value chain contributes to business success by reducing waste, increasing efficiencies, and promoting innovation. It also helps businesses connect with customers and build brand loyalty.

Final thoughts

What’s the main takeaway from this overview of the healthcare value chain? Establishing an agile and robust value chain is essential to success in the healthcare industry — in every industry.

We’ve specialized in creating software solutions for the healthcare value chain (and the healthcare supply chain) for almost 20 years. Our No. 1 priority is to help businesses optimize their operations and improve the quality of the products they manufacture and deliver to consumers.

For the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, this means providing a digital traceability platform that helps ensure your devices and medications are safe, are transported following proper protocols (e.g., routes and environmental parameters), are delivered on time, and meet all regulatory requirements. It means real-time data and visibility into every aspect of your operations from virtually any location in the world.

rfxcel and Antares Vision Group understand the healthcare value chain, its complexities, and how to optimize it for patient security, customer satisfaction, and business success. Contact us today to schedule a short demo of our solutions. Our experts will answer your questions and show you why major global healthcare and pharmaceutical companies rely on our technology to secure and improve their operations.

Cosmetics Supply Chain Transparency for Business Value and Opportunity

Posted on August 29, 2022August 4, 2023 by rfxadmin

Today, we’re looking at what cosmetics supply chain transparency means, why it matters, and how cosmetic companies can achieve it through the use of technology and gain much more than just a healthier bottom line.

Cosmetics supply chain transparency vs. traceability

Cosmetics supply chain transparency means the whole supply chain is visible, from raw materials, production, and packaging to delivery to retailers and, ultimately, consumers. A lack of transparency in complex supply chains that move billions of products can cause significant risks to both consumer and product owner.

Transparency results from creating a full, shareable, fact-based profile of every aspect of the supply chain. It is a means for companies to support its claims (e.g., product provenance, sustainability, ethical sourcing) and tell the world, “We are what we say we are.” In this way, transparency is a strategic concept — one more and more cosmetic companies are adopting because of its significant benefits for operational efficiency, consumer engagement, brand protection, and profitability.

Traceability most often concerns individual products and aggregations (e.g., boxes, cartons, pallets) and observing/monitoring them as they make their way through the supply chain. It is a means to identify, follow, and verify what’s in your supply chain, as well as comply with regulations that mandate traceability through serialization and digitalization.

Cosmetics supply chain transparency for business value

It’s the global cosmetics market will grow from $287.94 billion in 2021 to $415.29 billion in 2028. Indeed, there are signs the market is booming. For example, L’Oréal, the world’s largest beauty brand, reported record profits last year, with CEO Nicolas Hieronimus, recently commenting, “2021 was a historic year for L’Oréal … Over two years, the Group achieved growth of +11.3 percent like-for-like, spectacularly outperforming a market that had returned almost to 2019 levels.”

The other leading cosmetics brands also did well in 2021. Unilever reported just over $24 billion in beauty and personal care sales, and Estée Lauder had $16.2 billion in sales, an increase of 13 percent over last year.

The “Big 3” of the cosmetics industry have something in common other than strong market performance: Each is committed to transparency and puts it front and center in their business strategy and mission. For example, L’Oréal held a virtual “Transparency Summit” last year, Unilever equates transparency with “integrity,” and Estée Lauder has a dedicated supply chain transparency page on its website.

Transparency and risk management

Despite the opportunity for growth, however, global supply chain challenges can threaten a company’s ability to satisfy growing consumer demand. We all know about the supply chain weaknesses revealed during the pandemic, including overreliance on manufacturing hubs and shipping bottlenecks, not to mention changes in consumer expectations and the way they want to buy and interact with cosmetics.

In a rapidly evolving landscape of tougher regulations, ongoing supply chain uncertainty, increased consumer expectations, and brand risk, transparency has become foundational for success.

Regulatory compliance. Cosmetics regulations vary around the world. For instance, laws in the EU are much broader than in the United States. Generally, however, companies are responsible for making sure their cosmetics are safe, properly labeled, and comply with the regulations that apply to them.

Furthermore, more and more regulatory bodies are calling for modernization via the adoption of digital technologies to ensure products are safe and that companies are able to remain compliant as regulations evolve. Cosmetics supply chain transparency (and traceability) is crucial to compliance. Read our “Global Cosmetics Market” white paper to learn more about regulations in key markets and how technology is driving the industry.

Counterfeits and fakes. And as we’ve written before, counterfeiting is a big problem for the cosmetics industry. Fake products endanger consumers’ health. They can contain toxic substances such bacteria, animal waste, and carcinogenic substances (e.g., lead).

Counterfeits and fakes also damage profits. In “Global Trade in Fakes: A Worrying Threat” (June 2021), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reported that the global value of counterfeits and pirated goods amounted to as much as $464 billion in 2019, or 2.5 percent of world trade.

Brand reputations are also jeopardized by counterfeits. One bad (or very bad) experience can send customers to your competitors and tarnish your image, especially as consumers broadcast their opinions online. Our brand protection series talks more about counterfeits. It’s a real problem that every industry must contend with.

Diversion, theft, and gray markets. The complexity of global supply chains makes it possible for products to end up in markets where they shouldn’t be. Unauthorized or unofficial distribution channels shepherd expired, damaged, or otherwise compromised goods to unauthorized third-party sellers that consumers may think are legitimate. A product bound for Asia winds up in the United Kingdom.

Transparency is not a singular solution for these problems, but it is an indispensable facet of a coordinated, integrated supply chain management strategy to mitigate risk and create real business value.

Mainstreaming sustainability and ESG reporting

As we’ve noted, consumers are demanding more information about the products they purchase; they want to know that ingredients have been ethically sourced and are safe. They want a trust-based relationship with their brands — and if they don’t get it, they’ll happily take their business elsewhere.

This means cosmetics companies must be vigilant and forthcoming about everything in their operations, from their labor standards and how they source raw materials to packaging and other fundamentals of their supply chains. In response, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting has become more prevalent.

ESG reporting measures a company’s social and environmental performance through its supply chain and operations. Cosmetics companies are under pressure, not least from consumers, to reduce their environmental and social impact, set up monitoring systems, use sustainable materials, and publish their social credentials. In this way, ESG reporting is part of cosmetics supply chain transparency.

Or, more accurately, cosmetics supply chain transparency enables effective, accurate ESG reporting.

Leading cosmetics companies are now using ESG reporting, or some form of it, as a strategic tool to monitor their success in sustainability. For example, in 2021, L’Oréal implemented “L’Oréal for the Future,” its sustainability program for 2030. Without mincing words, it prioritizes transparency in product manufacturing, transport, the sourcing and quality of ingredients, sustainability, and more:

“Our commitments towards 2030 mark the beginning of a more radical transformation and embody our view as to what a company’s vision, purpose and responsibilities should be to meet the challenges facing the world.”

Ironically, ESG has enabled some bad players to essentially fake their declarations of transparency and sustainability. It’s called “greenwashing,” when “a company purports to be environmentally conscious for marketing purposes but actually isn’t making any notable sustainability efforts.” Greenwashing is the antithesis of transparency. It’s unethical, and companies that engage in it never intend to meet or quantify their stated transparency, sustainability, and ESG claims.

We’ll be talking more about cosmetics supply chain sustainability tomorrow. Be sure to visit our blog for that.

Final thoughts

Cosmetics supply chain transparency benefits consumers and brand owners alike. For consumers, it means products are safe and legitimate, comply with regulations, and demonstrably rise to the company’s sustainability and ESG goals. For brand owners, transparency offers greater operational efficiencies, mitigates common supply chain risks, and creates opportunities to burnish their reputations, engage with consumers, and tell them with certainty that your products and processes are what you say they are.

Is it difficult to attain transparency? No. Our Traceability System enables companies to follow everything in their supply chains in real time from virtually anywhere in the world. It makes every product a “digital asset” with a certified, provable, and sharable provenance. Its intuitive, scalable solutions can be used individually or as a complete platform to create transparency and end-to-end supply chain traceability and visibility. rfxcel and Antares Vision Group are committed to bringing transparency to all supply chains. We can show you how we do it in about 15 minutes, so contact us to schedule a demo.

And if you’re interested in a transparency case study of sorts, read our global seafood “Transparency Trilogy.” What’s true for seafood is true for cosmetics: Its supply chain reaches into remote areas and involves vulnerable populations and threatened resources.

Everything You Need to Know About Kazakhstan Pharma Serialization

Posted on August 15, 2022August 4, 2023 by rfxadmin

Welcome to Part 2 of our series about Kazakhstan serialization and traceability requirements. Part 1 detailed the country context, including government efforts to achieve pharma independence. October 1, 2022, is the next deadline in the rollout of Kazakhstan pharma serialization, so today we’ll get into the specifics of the regulations, as well as regulations for other key industries. Let’s get started.

Kazakhstan pharma serialization: pilot, goals, operator, timeline, marking requirements

The transformation of Kazakhstan’s pharmaceutical supply chain began almost seven years ago, when the government in September 2015 issued guidelines on labeling, marking, and requirements for accessing and uploading data to a central portal. In November of the same year, the Ministry of Health tapped GS1 Kazakhstan to conduct a pilot for the traceability system, which is called the Special Information System for Marking and Traceability of Goods (IS MPT).

Pilot

The pilot ran from Sept. 9, 2019, to July 31, 2021. It was led by Kazakhstan’s state-run distributor, SK Pharmacy, which labeled 100,000 packages of 30 different drugs and traced them all the way through the supply chain to hospitals and pharmacies. Four domestic manufacturers, 1 importer, 2 distributors, 5 pharmacies, and 8 medical institutions also participated.

Goals

The goals of Kazakhstan pharma serialization — and labeling of other product categories — are essentially the same as regulatory goals in other countries:

- - Communicating product information to consumers
  - Combating counterfeit and falsified products
  - Eliminating gray markets (“Shadow market” seems to be the preferred term in Kazakhstan.)
  - Protecting consumers
  - Protecting legal businesses
  - Identifying entities that violate tax laws

The Kazakh government has also said that digital labeling will help businesses increase productivity, improve logistics, increase market share, ultimately leading to increased revenue.

IS MPT Operator

Kazakhtelecom JSC, the country’s largest telecommunications company, operates the IS MPT. Sometimes referred to as “the Single Operator,” it’s the equivalent of Russia’s Center for Research in Perspective Technologies (CRPT) and Uzbekistan’s CRPT Turon. Its main offices are in Nur-Sultan (formally Astana) and Almaty.

As operator, Kazakhtelecom JSC is responsible for the following:

- - Generating marking codes
  - Providing traceability to the state
  - Interacting with the integrated system of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) and operators in other Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) states
  - Providing a digital passport of goods for market participants
  - Developing a free mobile application (NAQTY SAUDA) to accept and withdraw marked goods from circulation (primarily for participants who are unable to purchase scanners)
  - Developing a free mobile application (NAQTY ÓNIM) for the public to participate in the system
  - Creating a 24/7 IS MPT contact center

In official government reporting dated Nov. 17, 2020, Kazakhtelecom JSC’s Chair of the Board Kuanyshbek Yessekeyev talked about the benefits of the IS MT. “Among its main advantages,” he said, “one can single out a decrease in the shadow market by 50 percent until 2025, which will lead to additional budget revenues by 2025 in the amount of 58.4 billion tenge [$122.5 million], according to our calculations.”

Yessekeyev also concluded that additional legal business revenues would reach 336.5 billion tenge [$706.5 million] by 2025.

Timeline

Here are the key dates for Kazakhstan pharma serialization:

Planning and pilot

- - September 2015: The government issues guidelines on labeling, marking, and requirements for accessing and uploading data to a central portal.
  - November 2015: The Ministry of Health taps GS1 Kazakhstan to conduct a pilot for IS MT.
  - 2018–2019: GS1 Kazakhstan conducts testing for the pilot.
  - Sept. 9, 2019: The pilot begins.
  - July 31, 2021: The pilot ends and the government issues serialization guidelines.
  - August 8, 2021: The Ministry of Health identifies 93 products — about 1% of all drugs in the country — for the first phase of serialization.

Rollout (note upcoming deadlines in October and early 2023)

- - June 5, 2022: The Ministry of Health delays the first phase of serialization from May 2022 until August 1, 2022.
  - August 2022: Mandatory serialization for the 93 products begins. This list includes drugs produced by four Kazakh manufacturers and 12 foreign manufacturers.
  - October 1, 2022: Mandatory serialization for 20% of drugs scheduled to begin.
  - January 1, 2023: Mandatory serialization for 60% of drugs and mandatory data reporting for 20% of drugs scheduled to begin.
  - April 1, 2023: Mandatory serialization of at least 80% of drugs scheduled to begin.
  - July 1, 2023: Mandatory serialization of 100% of drugs scheduled to begin

Note: At present, Kazakhstan pharma serialization regulations do not require aggregation.

Marking requirements

As in other EAEU and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries (e.g., Russia and Uzbekistan, respectively), products must be labeled with a DataMatrix code with four data points:

1. 1. A 14-digit product code (i.e., Global Trade Item Number, or GTIN) (GS1 Application Identifier 01)
  2. A 13-character randomized serial number (21)
  3. A four-character verification key (91)
  4. A 44-character verification code (92)

The maximum cost of one code will be 2.68 tenge ($0.0056) without VAT. Every code goes through the same five steps during its “lifetime”:

1. 1. The manufacturer applies a code to every package and sends them to a distributor.
  2. The distributor receives and scans the products, then sends them to the retailer (e.g., a store or supermarket).
  3. The retailer receives the new (legal) batch of goods, scans the codes, and sells the products.
  4. At checkout, the cashier scans each code (either with a scanner or using the NAQTY SAUDA app) and it’s withdrawn from circulation.
  5. Consumers can use the NAQTY ÓNIM app to learn more about the product.

Here are some images of the apps:

Other regulated products/industries

In 2019, Kazakhstan ratified an agreement for labeling of goods within the territory of the EAEU. In doing so, it agreed to the EEC’s decisions concerning labeling of fur products, shoes, perfumes, tires, and other products. Here is the latest information from IS MPT:

- - Tobacco products: Mandatory labeling of cigarettes began Oct. 1, 2020; April 1, 2021, for cigars, cigarillos, and other categories.
  - Fur products: Mandatory labeling began March 1, 2019.
  - Footwear: Production and import of unmarked shoes have been prohibited since Nov. 1, 2021; sale of unmarked shoes has been prohibited since April 1, 2022.
  - Alcohol: Mandatory labeling began April 1, 2021.
  - Light industry (primarily clothing and linens): A pilot ran from Dec. 15, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2021.
  - Dairy products: A pilot began on Oct. 1, 2020, and was extended in November 2021.
  - Soft drinks: A pilot ran from July 1, 2020, to Jan. 31, 2022
  - Jewelry: A pilot began in March 2022 and is scheduled to end on Oct. 31, 2022.

Final thoughts

That’s a lot to think about. We’ve provided the granular details of Kazakhstan pharma serialization requirements, but let’s boil them down to what you have to be ready for in just a few weeks: Mandatory serialization for 20 percent of drugs starts on October 1.

If this affects you, are you ready? The good news is that complying with Kazakhstan pharma serialization requirements doesn’t have to be difficult. The fastest way to ensure you’re ready for the October deadline — and all the 2023 deadlines — is to contact us and walk through our solutions with one of our supply chain experts.

We offer a holistic, fully validated, preconfigured, automated platform for compliance and L1-L5 connectivity. With rfxcel and Antares Vision Group, you’ll be prepared for regulations in the EAEU and everywhere else your supply chain goes.

Kazakhstan Serialization and Traceability Requirements, Part 1

Posted on August 11, 2022August 4, 2023 by rfxadmin

We posted an Uzbekistan pharma serialization update the other day. This got us thinking about Kazakhstan serialization and traceability requirements, as Uzbekistan’s neighbor to the north is working to localize production, digitalize its infrastructure, and incentivize continued growth in key sectors, including pharmaceuticals.

So, welcome to the first of our two-part series about Kazakhstan serialization and traceability requirements. As we did in our series about the Africa supply chain, we’re going to start with context — information about the efforts mentioned above and a snapshot of what’s happening with the pharma industry. Part 2 will get into the specifics of Kazakhstan serialization and traceability requirements in pharma and other sectors.

Kazakhstan serialization and traceability requirements in context

To understand Kazakhstan serialization and traceability requirements, we must first understand what the country is doing to foster economic growth, including modernizing its infrastructure, developing its business enabling environment, and improving the lives of its citizens. Here’s a rundown of what’s been happening.

The Economy of Simple Things

Launched in March 2019, the Economy of Simple Things program is designed to increase domestic production of mostly low-tech, everyday consumer goods and services. The government also hopes to simultaneously boost demand for these goods, decrease reliance on imports, and increase “Made in Kazakhstan” exports.

The program was funded with 1 trillion tenge (almost $2.4 billion in 2019), of which 400 billion tenge (approximately $953 million) was earmarked for manufacturing and services. It was originally slated to end in July 2022 but was extended until the end of 2023.

When Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov announced the continuation, he said the Economy of Simple Things had subsidized more than 1,100 projects valued at almost $2.1 billion, had helped increase production output and payment of taxes by 33 percent and 80 percent, respectively, and had retained and created 67 jobs.

Digital Kazakhstan

Digital Kazakhstan aims to utilize digital technologies to “allow the economy, business, and citizens to enter a fundamentally new development trajectory.” It began in 2018; barring an extension, it will end this year.

The “new development trajectory” means Kazakhstan will work to transition to a digital economy that will improve people’s quality of life. The initiative focuses on five areas, each with publicly stated goals for “What will change/be changed by 2022”:

1. 1. Digitization of the economy: reorganization of the economy using technology to increase productivity and growth; focused on businesses of all sizes. Example of “what will change by 2022”: Labor productivity will increase to the level of “TOP-30 world countries.”

1. 1. Transition to the digital state: transformation of infrastructure to provide services for and anticipate the demands of people and business; calls for “open, transparent, and convenient opportunities” that can be accessed online 24/7. Example of “what will be changed by 2022”: Government services available in electronic format will increase by 80 percent.

1. 1. Implementation of the digital Silk Way: development of a high-speed, secure infrastructure for data transfer, storage, and processing (i.e., internet access and high-quality mobile communications coverage). Example of “what will change by 2022”: ICT development will reach the level of “TOP-30 countries.”

1. 1. Evolution of the human capital assets: transformational changes to enable a creative society and the “transition to the new realities”; calls for a knowledge-based economy and digital literacy through innovations in education. Example of “what will be changed by 2022”: Digital literacy will increase to 83 percent.

1. 1. Innovative ecosystem formation: foster a supportive environment for technological entrepreneurship and industry innovation characterized by stable relations between business, academic institutions, and government. Example of “what will be changed by 2022”: The Astana Hub will become an “international park of IT start-ups.”

Promoting pharma independence

According to the United Nations Comtrade database, a repository of official international trade statistics and relevant analytical tables, Kazakhstan’s pharma imports were valued at $1.56 billion in 2020.

The country’s efforts to attain pharma independence date to at least the mid-2010s. In 2014, for example, the now-discontinued State Program of Accelerated Industrial-Innovative Development (SPAIID) aimed to increase the share of domestically produced medicines to 40-50 percent of the overall market.

How far have they come toward that goal? In October 2020, The Asana Times reported that “the share of domestic manufacturers in the procurement of medicines and medical devices has grown to 30 percent and continues to grow steadily.” It also reported the following:

- - In the first eight months of 2020, production volume increased 34.1 percent, reaching 81.5 billion tenge ($190.28 million).
  - Investments into the industry reached 5.2 percent and 4.1 billion tenge ($9.57 million).

For a little more context, consider these stats from an analysis published in early 2021:

- - In 2018, Kazakh pharma manufacturers produced products valued at 42 billion tenge (about $88 million at current exchange rates).
  - In the first 9 months of 2019, the market for finished pharmaceutical products had grown to 460 billion tenge (about $966 million today), a 22-percent year-on-year increase.

To fuel growth, the government in September 2020 adopted the “Comprehensive Plan for the Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry” through 2025. As reported in the Asana Times, the plan includes the following benchmarks:

- - Thirty new large pharmaceutical operations valued at 77.8 billion tenge ($163.4 million in 2020 dollars)
  - Double medicine production to 230 billion tenge ($537.55 million)
  - Triple exports to 75 billion tenge ($175.10 million)
  - Train more than 2,000 specialists and create permanent jobs for them
  - Increase domestic pharmaceutical production to 50 percent in physical terms

Furthermore, then-Prime Minister Askar Mamin directed the government to scale up support for the domestic pharma industry, especially by stimulating clinical and preclinical trials. He also tasked the Ministries of Industry and Infrastructure Development, Healthcare, and Foreign Affairs to incentivize blue-chip pharma companies to set up shop in Kazakhstan.

One last note for further context: Striving for pharma self-sufficiency isn’t a new idea. For example, earlier this year we wrote about Egypt’s Gypto Pharma City. The Egyptian government envisions this “medicine city” as a regional hub for the international pharmaceutical and vaccine industries, calling it “one of the most important national projects … with the aim of possessing the modern technological and industrial capacity in this vital field.”

Final thoughts

On August 8, the Kazakh Trade and Integration Ministry reported that the country boosted its exports to $34.2 billion between January and May 2022, a 37.2 percent increase over the same period last year.

It seems, then, that the Economy of Simple Things, Digital Kazakhstan, and the Comprehensive Plan for the Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry are reaping dividends. They’re promoting the economic vitality that will help propel the implementation of Kazakhstan serialization and traceability requirements across diverse industries, from pharmaceuticals to footwear.

We’ll talk about those requirements next week in in Part 2. In the meantime, take a look at our solutions for Kazakhstan and the other countries in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). You can also contact us to schedule a short demo of our technologies — rfxcel and Antares Vision Group are committed to ensuring you’re compliant everywhere you do business.

Uzbekistan Pharma Serialization Update: September 1 Deadline & More

Posted on August 10, 2022August 4, 2023 by rfxadmin

We’ve been following the Uzbekistan pharma serialization rollout as part of our ongoing survey of global pharmaceutical regulations and compliance.

As we wrote in mid-February 2022, the country’s State Tax Committee “extend[ed] the timeframe for the phased introduction of mandatory digital markings” of pharmaceutical products. That announcement, however, didn’t stipulate a new deadline.

So, what’s the latest with Uzbekistan pharma serialization? Let’s take a look.

Uzbekistan pharma serialization and Resolution No. 149

On April 2 of this year, Uzbekistan’s Cabinet of Ministers adopted Resolution No. 149, “On the introduction of a system of mandatory digital labeling of medicines and medical devices.” This established the following labeling deadlines for medicinal products and medical devices:

- - September 1, 2022: products produced with secondary (external) packaging (except for orphan drugs)
  - November 1, 2022: products produced with primary (internal) packaging (provided there is no secondary packaging) and medical agricultural products (except for orphan drugs)
  - March 1, 2023: products and medical products to treat orphan diseases as designated by the Ministry of Health
  - March 1, 2023: drugs included in the register of drugs with foreign registrations, the results of which are recognized in Uzbekistan
  - February 1, 2025: medical products on a list approved by tax authorities and the Ministry of Health

Additionally, there seems to be a grace period for the mandatory labeling in two circumstances:

- - Products that were produced domestically within 90 days of these deadlines do not have to be labeled and may be circulated.
  - Products that were imported within 180 days of these deadlines do not have to be labeled and may be circulated.

More about the labeling requirements

The Uzbekistan traceability system is called ASL BELGISI. It’s managed by CRPT Turon, the equivalent of Russia’s Center for Research in Perspective Technologies (CRPT), which manages Russia’s National Track and Trace Digital System (Chestny ZNAK).

The regulations currently apply to five product categories other than medicines and medical devices: tobacco; alcohol, including wine and wine products; beer and brewing products; appliances; and water and soft drinks.

Products in every regulated industry must be labeled with DataMatrix codes that include four data points:

- - A 14-digit product code (i.e., Global Trade Item Number, or GTIN)
  - A 13-character randomized serial number generated by CRPT Turon or a supply chain participant
  - A four-character verification key generated by CRPT Turon
  - A 44-character verification code (i.e., crypto code) generated by CRPT Turon

To learn more about Uzbekistan pharma serialization, how ASL BELGISI works, and labeling requirements, read our “Uzbekistan Traceability Update” from earlier this year. Keep in mind that we wrote this before the first deadline delay and adoption of Resolution No. 149.

Final thoughts

The Uzbekistan pharma serialization deadlines are upon us — about three weeks away. Since its inception, ASL BELGISI has been a hot topic in the industry, especially in key pharma-producing countries.

India, for example, has taken a keen interest in the requirements. One recent article reported that Indian pharma companies are “looking for more clarity over regulations and technical standards … and looking for a transition period to migrate to digital labeling.” The same article noted several other interesting points:

- - India’s pharma exports to Uzbekistan more than doubled in fiscal year 2020-21.
  - India’s export of pharma products to Uzbekistan totaled $137 million in 2021.
  - Uzbekistan’s pharma market is valued at $1.5 billion.
  - There are opportunities for investment and exports in Uzbekistan’s oncology and dermatology sectors.

The good news is that we can help you navigate Uzbekistan pharma serialization requirements no matter where you’re based — India, Asia, the EU, the UK, Latin America, the United States. We have experts in all of these markets, and rfxcel and Antares Vision Group are committed to ensuring you’re compliant everywhere you do business. Contact us today and schedule a short demo of our award-winning Traceability System and our Compliance Management solution.

Why FDA Food Traceability Regulations Are a Business Opportunity

Posted on August 4, 2022August 4, 2023 by rfxadmin

It’s going to be a busy couple of years for the food industry as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) formalizes key parts of its plan to modernize and further secure the U.S. food supply chain. The next milestone for FDA food traceability regulations is just four months away, so let’s take a look at the requirements — and why food companies should embrace them as an opportunity to improve their businesses.

But first, if you’re intrigued by the idea that opportunities are “hiding” in the FDA food traceability regulations, join us for our “Safety, Regulatory Compliance & Beyond: Leveraging Traceability to Optimize the Food & Beverage Supply Chain” webinar on Wednesday, August 10, at 1 p.m. EST. Our experts will break down the “whys” and “hows” of traceability, discuss the real-world applications and value-adds, and take your questions.

Recap of FDA food traceability regulations & upcoming deadlines

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s on the table and upcoming deadlines.

Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)

- - Signed into law on Jan. 4, 2011
  - Aims to ensure the food supply is safe by shifting the focus to preventing contamination rather than responding to it
  - Applies to human food as well as to food for animals, including pets

Proposed Rule (FSMA 204)

- - Establishes additional traceability recordkeeping requirements for people who manufacture, process, pack, or hold foods on the Food Traceability List
  - Food Traceability List contains foods with additional traceability recordkeeping requirements (see table below)
  - Stakeholders to establish and maintain records with key data elements (KDEs) associated with different critical tracking events (CTEs)

Key dates

- - Nov. 7, 2022: FDA to finalize and submit the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Proposed Rule to the Federal Register
  - January 2023: Proposed Rule goes into effect
  - Jan. 6, 2025: Deadline for full compliance

The FDA has also launched the New Era of Smarter Food Safety and an accompanying New Era of Smarter Food Safety Blueprint, which envision a modern approach to ensuring food safety through digital, tech-enabled traceability. Get more details in our blog here.

FDA food traceability regulations: What to know now and how to seize opportunities

This is really just a preview of our August 10 webinar about leveraging traceability. We’ll touch on a few key points below; sign up for the webinar to take a deep dive.

Just the facts

The FSMA 204 deadlines are set. You’ll have to be fully compliant in about two years, so the time to prepare is now.

The Food Traceability List is a living document. More and more food items are sure to be added over time.

The FDA is committed to modernizing and securing the U.S. food supply chain. Expect the Agency to continue promoting (and regulating) traceability in a digital supply chain. This includes improving recall management.

Where’s the opportunity?

End-to-end traceability makes everything better. With the right solution, you’ll not only be compliant — you’ll make your supply chain faster, leaner, and more cost-effective.

“1-up, 1-down” is useful, but antiquated. Today, 1-up, 1-down traceability is merely a facet of end-to-end traceability (and visibility and transparency) in a digital supply chain. The right solutions transform your supply chain into an ecosystem that optimizes operations and creates opportunity and value beyond the point of sale.

Serialization is the building block of compliance — and added value. Serialization turns every product into a “digital asset” that can be traced in real time from virtually any location, yielding practical benefits to your operations. But these digital assets can accomplish much, much more, including brand protection and consumer engagement.

Traceability enables precise, targeted recall management — which means better outcomes for your brand. We’ve all heard the statistic that the average food recall costs $10 million. With traceability, you can locate specific items quickly, identify where they came from (e.g., grower, warehouse), take clear, decisive action to remove only those items from circulation, and protect consumers and your reputation.

Traceability in a digital supply chain means less clutter — literally. Do you have nightmares about back rooms full of boxes stuffed with paperwork? Traceability turns your nightmare into an operational dream. Get rid of all the paper and gain the power to quickly dial up any document, any time, from any location, including from mobile devices.

Traceability and added value

Traceability is the key to keeping consumers happy and inspired. Consumers are thinking deeply about the things they buy — where they come from and what goes into making them. They also expect to interact with the brands they trust. We wrote way back in October 2020 that supply chain traceability was building a new kind of consumer kingdom; it was true then, it’s true today, and it will be true tomorrow.

The era of digital assets and smart products is here. Products are no longer just products. With serialization and traceability, products are gateways to experiences. They’re beacons to broadcast information. They are conduits for hyper-targeted and hyper-personalized consumer engagement.

Final thoughts

FDA food traceability regulations are center stage in FSMA, the Food Traceability Proposed Rule (FSMA 204), the Food Traceability List, and the New Era of Smarter Food Safety. The deadlines are coming and you should be preparing.

But now you know that savvy companies will see traceability as more than a compliance mandate from the government — they’ll see it as a technology that creates a universe of opportunities for their businesses and brands.

Companies that are thinking only about the mechanics of complying with FDA food traceability regulations will miss these opportunities to be proactive about ensuring food safety and quality, reducing risks, protecting and building their brands, and leveraging every single product to connect with individual consumers in exciting, meaningful ways.

We don’t want you to miss these opportunities. To get started, sign up for our food traceability webinar to see how traceability works and how it delivers value.

Next, contact us to schedule a short demo of our food and beverage solutions, including our award-winning Traceability System and Mobile Traceability App. In about 15 minutes, our supply chain experts will show you how we create end-to-end traceability in a fully interoperable digital supply chain that’s visible anytime, anywhere.

Last, take a look at our other food traceability materials, some FDA links, and our shortened version of the Food Traceability List.

Our FSMA & Food Traceability Resources