A key milestone in the rollout of the Egyptian Track & Trace for Pharmaceutical (EPTTS) system, setting the foundation for serialization, aggregation, and reporting standards.
Below are the critical implementation insights:
Product Identification & Serialization
The Egyptian Drug Authority does not issue serial numbers.
Manufacturers are responsible for generating serial numbers compliant with GS1 standards (AI 21).
- Serial numbers must be globally unique and non-reusable
- Must be linked to approved GTINs registered with EDA prior to importation
Human Readable Interpretation (HRI)
HRI is mandatory and must comply with GS1 General Specifications Release 26
- AI prefixes must appear in parentheses
- Use of Data Titles (e.g., GTIN, EXPIRY, BATCH/LOT) is acceptable
Aggregation Model
EPTTS supports hierarchical aggregation from SGTIN to SSCC across:
- Bundle
- Carton
- Pallet
- Container
No specific packing method is enforced, but parent-child hierarchy integrity is critical
Aggregation & Disaggregation Events
- All aggregation events impacting traceability must be reported
- Disaggregation requires SSCC decommissioning
- Partial unpacking and receiving are allowed and must be reported in real time
Data Submission (Phase 1)
- CSV is the mandatory submission format
- Manual uploads are required during initial rollout
- Any error results in full file rejection
(XML and API integration will follow in later phases)
EPCIS Alignment Strategy
Current Phase 1 CSV format deviates from EPCIS 2.0
EDA plans future alignment with EPCIS 2.0 while maintaining backward compatibility
API & Integration Roadmap
- No API available in Phase 1
- System-to-system integration will be introduced in upcoming phases and officially announced
Operational Restrictions
- Serial number reuse is strictly prohibited
- Barcode printing inside Egypt is allowed only at EDA-licensed facilities after batch approval
- Distribution Centers are not permitted to serialize or reprint barcodes
Read the full Document At Egypt from country tracker drop menu