Pakistan Launches Digital COPP to Strengthen Pharmaceutical Exports

In a transformative step aimed at modernizing trade and enhancing the global competitiveness of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector, the Pakistan Single Window (PSW), in collaboration with the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), has officially launched the Digital Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (COPP).

This digital certificate is designed to streamline cross-border pharmaceutical trade by meeting the documentation and regulatory requirements of importing countries. It replaces traditional paper-based systems with a secure, verifiable, and fully digital solution.

As part of the broader DRAP Clearance Gateway, the initiative includes not only the Digital COPP but also three other critical export-related documents:

• Electronic Free Sale Certificate
• Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certificate
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) for Exports

Each of these certificates issued through the PSW platform comes embedded with a unique QR code, enabling instant verification and ensuring authenticity. These advancements are expected to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce processing delays, and significantly improve compliance with international standards, particularly in stringent markets like the European Union and the United States.

The initiative supports Pakistan’s larger goal of digital transformation and is aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of a Digital Pakistan. According to PSW CEO Aftab Haider, the move will not only enhance transparency in the regulatory ecosystem but also strengthen confidence in Pakistan’s pharmaceutical exports.

“This marks a major shift in how Pakistan handles pharmaceutical exports, bringing our systems in line with global best practices,” Haider said.

DRAP CEO Dr. Obaidullah Malik echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that digitalization of these certifications reinforces DRAP’s commitment to safety, transparency, and international compliance.

“The launch of digital export certificates under the DRAP Clearance Gateway demonstrates our focus on modernizing regulatory operations and empowering the pharma sector to achieve greater export efficiency,” Dr. Malik stated.

The pharmaceutical industry, considered one of Pakistan’s high-potential export sectors, recorded $341 million in exports during the fiscal year 2023–24, reflecting a 3.90% year-on-year growth.