- Drug Supply Chain Security Act FAQs
Drug Supply Chain Security Act FAQs
13 min read
On Oct. 9, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced new deadlines for DSCSA compliance for eligible manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies (FDA Exemption). The FDA Exemption describes criteria and conditions for manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies to be eligible for new deadlines for DSCSA compliance.
The FDA Exemption applies to in-scope products transacted by “eligible trading partners,” as described and subject to the conditions in the FDA Exemption. McKesson intends to utilize the FDA exemption as a wholesale distributor, as permitted by the FDA exemption.
FDA Granted Exemptions
For eligible trading partners that meet the FDA Exemption’s conditions, the FDA granted exemptions from certain DSCSA requirements until the following dates:
- For manufacturers and repackagers, May 27, 2025.
- For wholesale distributors, Aug. 27, 2025,
- For dispensers with 26 or more pharmacists and technicians, Nov. 27, 2025.
Dispensers with 25 or fewer pharmacists and technicians were previously exempted until November 2026.
1. What is DSCSA?
The Drug Supply Chain Security Act, signed into law on November 27, 2013, outlines steps to achieve interoperable, electronic tracing of Rx drugs at the package level to identify and trace certain prescription drugs as they are distributed in the United States. These requirements enhance the FDA’s ability to help protect consumers from exposure to drugs that may be counterfeit, stolen, contaminated, or otherwise harmful. Implementation of these requirements will also improve the detection and removal of potentially dangerous drugs from the drug supply chain to protect U.S. consumers.
2. What traceability changes will be implemented?
DSCSA Transaction Information will change from lot-based to serial-based transactions. Currently, DSCSA transactions are traced at the lot level with a transaction history and a transaction statement.
On November 27, 2025, in addition to the previous requirements for DSCSA transaction information, the DSCSA will require that the serialized product identifier information be added to the DSCSA Transaction Information.
- A new serial number is provisioned by the manufacturer at each level to be uniquely identified.
- Each serial number must be tracked through all transactional events across the supply chain (events= packing, shipping, receiving, returns, etc.)
Beginning on November 27, 2023, the current transaction history will be sunset and electronic-based approaches will be used among all trading partners to meet the enhanced requirements.
McKesson will use the FDA-recommended Electronic Product Code Information Services (EPCIS) standard to provide and maintain the data associated with transaction information and transaction statements
3. How will products/items and trading partners be identified in the interoperable electronic exchange?
GS1 standard identifiers will be used for product and party/location identification in the interoperable electronic exchange.
- Products will be identified by a Global Trade Identification Number (GTIN).
- Trading partners will be identified by a Global Location Number (GLN).
4. What is the new Rx drug return process and when is it effective?
A detailed Rx drug returns process communication is being developed and will be shared at a later date.
5. Which drugs fall under the DSCSA requirements for product tracing, product identifier, authorized trading partner, and verification?
DSCSA requirements do not apply to nonprescription drugs (over-the-counter drugs) or animal drugs (drugs subject to section 512 of the Food Drug & Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act)). Drugs that fall under the DSCSA requirements are defined by the FD&C Act. Product tracing, product identifier, authorized trading partner, and verification requirements in Section 582 of the FD&C Act apply to product as defined by Section 581(13) of this Act. Product means “a prescription drug in finished dosage form for administration to a patient without substantial further manufacturing (such as capsules, tablets, and lyophilized products before reconstitution).”
The section 582 requirements do not apply to:
• Blood or blood components intended for transfusion
• Radioactive drugs or biologic products
• Imaging drugs
• Certain intravenous (IV) products
• Medical gases
• Certain homeopathic drugs
• Lawfully compounded drugs
There are also exclusions, refer to the definition of transaction noted in section 581(24) of the FD&C Act. This list of applicable DSCSA drugs is dynamic and is subject to change.
5. Will requirements for saleable returns change?
Yes, DSCSA creates additional obligations on distributors for saleable returns of DSCSA in-scope products. McKesson distributors DSCSA serialization compliance date will be Aug. 27, 2025, at which time this process will go into effect:
• As a customer, we will ask you to confirm that the serial number of the item being returned was purchased from McKesson.
• The distributor (McKesson) must verify the product identifier of the returned package against the manufacturer’s assigned data.
• The distributor (McKesson) must also associate the returned product with its original DSCSA transaction data at the serial product identifier level from McKesson’s initial sale to the customer.
• McKesson will not be able to accept any saleable product returns where McKesson cannot verify or associate the product with the original DSCSA transaction data from the initial sale. IMPORTANT NOTE: A detailed product returns process communication will be shared at a later date.
6. What changes do I need to make prior to the DSCSA regulation taking effect on November 27, 2023?
See Actions to take for DSCSA article.
McKesson is here to support you during this transition by providing guidance and assistance where possible. We are not able to take action for you. Additional information for dispensers from NACDS, NCPA, HDA and NABP about dispenser requirements is available at www.dscsa.pharmacy.
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