1-How are cartons and pallets serialized?
Each carton/pallet is assigned an SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code, AI 00).
All child Serials inside are digitally linked to the SSCC.
Example:
• SSCC: 00312345678901234567
• Contains Serials: SN000000123456 → SN000000123475
System mapping: SSCC 0031234567890123
2- Who records shipping events?
The shipping site (factory, importer, or 3PL) records the EPCIS “Shipping Event.”
Example: Factory GLN 10001 → ships SSCC 00312345678901234567 → Distributor GLN 20001
3-How is receiving recorded?
The receiving site scans the SSCC or serials. The system logs the “Receiving Event.”
Example: Distributor scans SSCC 00312345678901234567. System updates all child serials to status “Received.” If not scanned within 48 hours, a compliance alert is triggered.
4- What happens when a product is dispensed?
Pharmacists or hospital staff scan the serials before giving it to the patient. The system verifies validity and records a “Dispense Event.”
Example: serial SN000000123456 → status updated to “Dispensed.”
5- What if the serial is fake or already used?
The system rejects it, dispensing is blocked, and EDA is notified.
6- How are expired packs removed?
Expired products are reported as a “Decommission Event.”
Example: Batch B123 expired Dec 2026 → all serials from B123 marked “Decommissioned – Expired.”
7-How is a recall performed?
The manufacturer or importer initiates a “Recall Event.” All affected serials are blocked. Pharmacies scanning them will receive “Invalid – Recalled.”
8-When must EPCIS data be uploaded for imported and local products?
Local Products: For local manufacturers, commissioning and aggregation must be recorded as events directly in the national system at the time of packaging.
Imported Products: EPCIS data must be uploaded before the products enter Egypt.
o If shipments are consolidated at regional hubs, EPCIS reporting can take place at the point of dispatch from the hub, provided it is before Egyptian customs clearance.
o Commissioning and aggregation events performed outside Egypt are not registered as events in the national system. Instead, importers must upload the related data files as reference.
o Once the shipment physically enters Egypt and receives customs release and EDA approval, these transactions must then be recorded as official trackable events in the national system.
Example:
A company imports 100,000 packs from a foreign manufacturer. EPCIS data is uploaded prior to clearance at Alexandria Port or Cairo Airport. Once cleared by customs and approved by EDA, the commissioning and aggregation events for those packs are entered into the system as official events.
9-Do 3PL warehouses need registration?
Yes. 3PLs within Egypt must register GLNs and are responsible for reporting aggregation, shipping, and receiving events from their facilities. Regional Hubs outside Egypt need not register with GLN. Brand owners remain accountable to EDA for ensuring 3PL compliance.
10-Who records events at 3PLs?
The 3PL records aggregation, shipping, and receiving using its GLN.
11- Can companies use technologies like (RFID or NFC) stickers if they cannot yet print GS1 DataMatrix codes on their packaging lines?
Yes. During the transition stage, factories that do not have DataMatrix printing capability on their packaging lines may apply to use alternate carriers such as RFID or NFC.
These carriers will temporarily represent the same GS1 DataMatrix data (GTIN, UID, Batch, Expiry) until the factory is ready to upgrade its printing technology.
Conditions:
• The alternate carrier must hold the same information as the GS1 DataMatrix.
• The company must provide the necessary middleware or mapping to ensure the data is fully compatible with the national Track & Trace system.
• This option is temporary. After the transition period, only GS1 DataMatrix printed on-pack will be accepted.
Please review the standard published by GS1 (link below) concerning use of RFID as an example of what EDA MIGHT approve. https://www.gs1.org/standards/rfid
12-How should manufacturers’ systems connect to the reporting system?
Integration is via GS1 EPCIS standards. Data can be transmitted using secure APIs or file exchanges in XML/JSON/CSV formats. Detailed technical specifications and API documentation are provided during company onboarding. A dedicated company Technical Helpdesk is available to support manufacturers and importers during integration.