Wondering why product packaging should be compliant with stated rules and regulations? Because pharmaceutical packaging is a critical component requiring careful consideration. It makes the proper handling of drugs and the safety of the consumer possible. If you are in the pharmaceutical industry, you must be aware of the potential risks that are associated with medicinal products like contamination, loss of product quality, improper labeling, overdosing, etc. To prevent these risks, there are some regulatory frameworks and packaging regulations that every pharmaceutical company must comply with.
Besides, pharmaceutical products are very sensitive to different environmental factors. It includes heat, light, temperature, oxygen, etc. So, it's paramount to preserve the drug quality up to the point of use. Yes, that's another reason to guarantee packaging compliance with regulations.
In this guide, we will explore the importance of high-quality drug packaging, its requirements, and some important directives by the FDA.
Significance of Quality and Standard Packaging in the Pharmaceutical Industry
First, let’s have a look at the reasons why premium-quality packaging is mandated.
Preserve Drug Efficacy
Protecting the integrity of the drug is the primary goal of packaging. The material used must be strong and enduring enough to protect the item from any:
Chemicals (gasses, moisture, vapor)
Biological contaminants (viruses, bacteria, fungi)
Durability must be top-notch to resist environmental factors and increase the drug’s shelf life.
Avoid Penalty Clause and Fines
Ensure that your drug packaging complies with FDA, otherwise, your product will be removed from the distribution channels. Meaning? You will get a notice of refusal due to the violation of FDA's laws and regulations. To avoid certain penalties and fines, gain a good market reputation, and build customer trust, meet all the packaging regulations.
Ensure Consumer Safety
Public health safety will always be a major concern when it comes to pharmaceutical product packaging. Integrating clear instructions, labels, warnings, and all the relevant details about the medicine is necessary. It prevents serious accidents. It should be user-friendly to promise consumer safety while guaranteeing compliance with your region’s packaging requirements.
Increase Brand Visibility
A well-designed and properly sealed packaging fosters customer trust and loyalty. Also, consistency in packaging helps customers instantly identify your brand. Your medicinal packaging should be sturdy yet functional for the ease of the customers. It will not only increase your brand credibility but also maximize repeat orders and sales.
Reduce Environmental Footprint
To attract eco-conscious customers, it's important to manufacture reduced sizes and eco-friendly packaging using recyclable and biodegradable materials like kraft paper. After all, sustainable practices show your professionalism, responsibility, and commitment to environmental safety.
Important Federal and State-Level Packaging Regulations
To prevent regulatory actions, following certain safety standards, regulatory statutes, labeling rules, and compliance laws are critical. WHO has published an International Pharmacopoeia to set standards for some widely used medicines that are vital for public health and safety. For this, pharmaceutical companies can refer to 5 key components of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of drug packaging including:
Products
Processes
Procedures
Premises
People
These are required for cautious and consistent product quality! So, If a packaging supplier also holds GMP certification by WHO, it ensures that the packaging meets the same quality standards as the drugs. Although it's not mandatory for all pharmaceuticals, having one will enhance your brand recognition and reputation in the market.
Now, let's have a look at some important packaging legislation by the FDA.
Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA)
The aim of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA) is to protect children under the age of 5. For this, PPPA necessitates child-resistant packaging while allowing “non-complying sizes” to be easily accessible for adults and people with disabilities. Moreover, this rule applies to:
Drugs
Dangerous substances
Food
Cosmetics
Fuel products
Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA)
The FPLA law is enforced by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help customers compare product prices, prevent mislabeled products, and stave off deceptive packaging for items like drugs, food, and cosmetics. However, this law doesn't cover non-consumable goods like tools and a few other exempted categories.
According to this statute, the product labels must include the product’s name, manufacturer’s details, and information on net quantity as well as uses of the drugs. Apart from pharma, this law particularly applies to the following:
Cosmetic products
Furniture polish
Lamp oil
Lighter fluid
Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation (UPLR)
The UPLR provides a guide for labeling requirements in the US. It is adopted by 45 of the 50 US states. Its pointers are almost the same as the FPLA but cover a wide selection of products. Per this law, accurate information and all the pertinent instructions must be clearly highlighted on the packaging so that the buyers can easily compare prices and quantities.
Bonus: This law is applicable to a wide range of packages, with a few exceptions as follows:
Shipping containers
Inner wrappings
Tray pack display containers
Export packaging boxes
Open carries
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
FDA is in charge of ensuring packaging safety under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Besides, NEPA law instructs the FDA to assess the environmental impact of packaging. This evaluation entails how the packaging is used, and disposed of, and its impact on recycling. Also, the EPA act regulates how to dispose of packaging to manage solid waste and suggests the best solutions to do this. Yet, the final decision of managing waste is totally up to state and local authorities.
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Maine EPR Law
This legal code is suitable for most packaging, except for beverages and small producers. It aims to encourage manufacturers to think about the end-of-life of their products, meaning how their products are handled after use. For this, the manufacturers or producers have to contribute to a “stewardship program.” It not only lessens the tax burden on consumers but also facilitates producers to find more efficient packaging solutions.
Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation
This model was developed in 1989. It was aimed to be adopted by all US states. Its primary motive was to decrease the presence of heavy metals in packaging nationwide. Currently, 19 states, including 10 Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) members, have embraced this legislation. Moreover, it restricts the use of heavy metals like:
Lead
Ortho-phthalates
Mercury
Perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Hexavalent Chromium
Cadmium
If manufacturers still violate this law, they will face penalties of up to $25,000 for each item containing restricted heavy metals.
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Pharmaceutical Packaging Requirements
Robust Secondary Packaging
As we know, secondary packaging adds an extra layer of protection for fragile products during shipping and handling. Thus, it needs to be resilient and hard-wearing to shelter the medicine from certain environmental factors and contamination. Top-notch secondary packaging provides unmatched protection from excessive moisture, UV rays, sudden falls, and heavy blows.
Child-Resistant Packaging
Medications should also be packed in child resistant packaging to prevent accidental ingestion by kids. They must have fail-proof locks that can only be opened by adults.
Tamper-Evident Packaging
According to FDA guidelines, most over-the-counter (OTC) medicines must be packaged with tamper-evident seals. Tamper-resistant packaging with visible barriers or indicators shows the signs to the users if the medicine has been opened or tampered with.
Thermal-Insulated Box Packaging
Many medications are temperature-sensitive. Well, no surprise! So, it's crucial to add thermal insulation in the box layers to maintain product stability. It can be within primary or secondary packaging and should be discreet but incredibly functional. Otherwise, medicines will lose their effectiveness, strength, and quality.
Clear Labeling
Make sure to accurately and clearly label drugs. Include information like expiry date, active ingredients, warnings, special instructions, storage methods, etc.
Technology Integration
Last but not least, the integration of barcode technology is also a crucial factor in ensuring the efficient tracking and tracing of drugs throughout the supply chain. So, add any type of barcode like linear barcode (1D), two-dimensional barcode (2D), QR Codes, or Universal Product Codes (UPC) to prevent counterfeiting. It ensures product authenticity, but what it does brilliantly is that it lets your customers contact you on Instagram, Facebook, and other Social Media Channels through scanning codes.
Get a Free Consultation with Half Price Packaging
Contact us at [email protected] to have an instant quote. All our packaging solutions are in line with packaging regulations provided by FDA. So, prioritize the integrity of your OTC drugs and regulatory compliance by choosing Half Price Packaging for secure and reliable packaging!
