Welcome to the third entry in our blog series on pharmaceutical serialization across the Middle East. In this edition, we turn our attention to the Kingdom of Bahrain, a proactive nation in advancing medicine traceability through its NHRA-MVC Traceability Hub.
As of May 2025, Bahrain has made significant strides in enforcing a comprehensive serialization and aggregation framework regulated by the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA). Since the phased rollout began in late 2021, Bahrain has steadily expanded its compliance requirements, making serialization, aggregation, and centralized EPCIS reporting mandatory for all stakeholders in the pharmaceutical supply chain. In this article, we examine Bahrain’s current regulatory landscape, key milestones, and how the country is positioning itself as a regional leader in pharmaceutical safety and supply chain transparency
As of May 2025, Bahrain's National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) continues to enforce stringent pharmaceutical serialization and traceability regulations through the NHRA-MVC Traceability Hub. These regulations aim to enhance supply chain transparency, ensure patient safety, and prevent counterfeit medicines.
Serialization ensures every pharmaceutical product is uniquely identified, tracked, and verified at every point in the supply chain. Through integration with the GS1 global standard, Bahrain has adopted a future-proof framework that aligns with international best practices.
Bahrain rolled out serialization requirements in three structured phases:
In February 2025, the NHRA-MVC system underwent significant upgrades to enhance its serialization capabilities and align with global best practices. These enhancements aim to strengthen supply chain security and improve regulatory compliance.
All agents and distributors engaged in import activities must participate in the GS1 system and acquire a Global Location Number (GLN). This is essential for transacting within Bahrain’s DUR or OFOQ systems and receiving EPCIS events from MAHs. A GLN can be purchased from authorized GS1 providers worldwide, starting at around $30 as a one-time fee.
Bahrain’s serialization initiative showcases its commitment to modernizing healthcare infrastructure and enhancing medicine safety. Companies must integrate with the NHRA-MVC system, follow GS1 standards, and maintain traceability procedures to ensure compliance.
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Stay tuned for the next blog in our series as we explore serialization developments in Oman
Oman is actively enhancing its pharma regulations, influenced by Gulf-wide harmonization efforts. The Ministry of Health (MoH Oman) has shown interest in adopting GS1 standards and digital supply chain systems. Still in earlier stages and less mature than UAE/KSA, however making it a timely and educational topic.
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