Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
THE Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has fired a warning shot at drug cheats after rolling out tough new rules to trace every pill, injection and syrup moving through the country’s health system.
In a fresh circular (22 of 2025) signed by director-general Richard Rukwata, MCAZ said the new traceability guidelines — effective from 18 July — apply to all medicines manufactured, imported, exported, sold, advertised, distributed or used in Zimbabwe.
“The guidelines are aimed at making sure all medical products remain traceable throughout the supply chain,” reads part of the circular.
Crackdown plan
MCAZ says the new framework will help weed out fake drugs, tighten product recalls and restore public trust in the quality of medicines on the market.
The guidelines, issued under Section 37 of the Medicines and Allied Substances Control (General) Regulations, 1991 (SI 150 of 1991), will be phased in:
• Phase I (0–12 months): pilot projects focusing on high-risk products, selected manufacturers and dodgy bulk imports of unregistered medicines.
• Phase II (12–36 months): gradual spread across the pharmaceutical supply chain.
• Phase III (36–60 months): full national rollout with tough enforcement.
How it works
Drug packs will now carry unique identifiers and GS1-compliant codes such as Data Matrix and GS1-128. Suppliers must also share electronic data, submit master product details to MCAZ and print human-readable labels.
“All manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, retailers and healthcare institutions must comply,” warned MCAZ, adding that violators face regulatory action under the law.
To ease the transition, the Authority will provide training, technical support and regular updates.
Bongani Ndlovu