GS1 Launches Messaging Standard for Verification of Product Identifiers

GS1, a global supply-chain standards organization, has launched a new messaging standard in collaboration with GS1 US to help meet the requirements of the US Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) for salable returns of serialized prescription drugs, according to a Feb. 12, 2019 press release. 

Developed and vetted by a global GS1 workgroup comprised of manufacturers, distributors, and solution providers, this new standard specifies a lightweight messaging framework for product verification request and response. With this development, supply chain partners will be able to verify that a product in their possession is suitable for forward distribution. Manufacturer verification of the product identifier and associated data will give supply chain stakeholders actionable information helping them to determine whether to accept, reject, or quarantine a product.

“In record time, GS1 has delivered a standard that fully meets our needs,” said Jeff Denton, senior director, IT Global Secure Supply Chain at AmerisourceBergen, in the release. “It will facilitate our ability to manage interoperability between trading partners within US regulations surrounding salable returns, while incorporating the use of global trade item numbers and global location numbers for identification of products and parties. Moreover, it is a standard extensible for use in other sectors or additional use cases,” 

Beginning Nov. 27, 2019, the DSCSA will require wholesalers and distributors to verify the unique identifier of returned products before these can be placed into inventory for resale. A manufacturer that receives a verification request from a repackager, wholesale distributor, or dispenser will be obliged to respond to that request within 24 hours. Against this backdrop, pharmaceutical supply chain trading partners asked GS1 to develop a verification messaging standard.

“Workgroup members and industry stakeholders should be commended for coming together so quickly to develop and agree upon a standard that aids pharmaceutical, and potentially all industries, create a safer supply chain,” said Siobhan O’Bara, senior vice-president, Community Engagement, GS1 US, in the release. “The new messaging standard is a significant advancement in driving visibility and helping trading partners authenticate unique product identifiers and data elements to assess product viability.” 

Source: GS1