The Pakistan Single Window (PSW), in partnership with the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), has launched a new digital system to enhance the export competitiveness of the country’s pharmaceutical sector. This initiative introduces the Digital Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (COPP), a requirement for pharmaceutical exports to importing countries.
Alongside the COPP, the DRAP Clearance Gateway now offers a range of electronic certificates, including the Free Sale Certificate, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certificate, and No Objection Certificate (NOC) for exports. These efforts aim to streamline the regulatory process, reduce delays, and ensure that Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry meets global standards.
All certificates issued through the PSW platform are electronically secure, verifiable, and embedded with a unique QR code for immediate authentication.
The move eliminates inefficiencies associated with paper documentation and enhances compliance with international regulations, particularly in highly regulated markets such as the European Union and the United States.
Aftab Haider, CEO of PSW, expressed pride in the launch, stating, “The Digital COPP aligns Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry with global best practices and will improve regulatory efficiency, boosting exports by ensuring our products meet international standards.” He added that the initiative is aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision for a Digital Pakistan.
Dr. Obaidullah Malik, CEO of DRAP, further highlighted the importance of this digital transformation, noting that the new certificates reflect Pakistan’s commitment to modernizing regulatory practices and strengthening global trust in the pharmaceutical sector.
In the fiscal year 2023-24, Pakistan’s pharmaceutical exports reached approximately $341 million, a 3.9% increase from the previous year. This move is part of a broader strategy to digitalize regulatory systems, improve operational efficiency, and drive export-led growth in the pharmaceutical sector.