Manufacturers will be required to introduce safety features to their packaging including an anti-tamper device and 2D matrix code.

The anti-tamper device (ATD) can take different forms such as shrink wrapping on the packet, labels, glues or a visible bottle seal. 

The medicine pack must also include a 2D matrix code (barcode) called the Unique Identifier (UI). The UI will be required to include specific information:

• Product code: the name, common name, pharmaceutical form, strength, pack size and pack type
• Serial number: randomised numeric or alphanumeric sequence of up to 20 characters
• National reimbursement number: national identifying code if required by the individual member state
• Batch number: up to 20 characters
• Expiry date: in YYMMDD form

The information included in the UI will be submitted to the NMVS by the manufacturer enabling medicine suppliers to scan this code and ensure the data on the medicine pack coincides with the data stored on the NMVS.