A pilot project on the digital marking of medical devices is being implemented in Uzbekistan, which began on July 1, 2026. This testing allows manufacturers to proactively check the functioning of information systems, configure necessary equipment, and align internal workflows with new regulatory requirements.
The representative office of the Hungarian pharmaceutical company 'Gedeon Richter' in Uzbekistan shared its experience participating in this project. The transition to mandatory digital marking requires manufacturers to conduct thorough preliminary preparations: register their products, master the use of relevant information systems, test equipment, change packaging, and optimize production and logistics chains.
The pilot mode allows all necessary stages to be completed in a test format, which helps identify potential difficulties before the requirements come into force.
Experience in preparing for marking
Nigora Makhsudkhanova, head of the registration department of the 'Gedeon Richter' JSC representative office in Uzbekistan, spoke about the preparation process. The company had previously gained experience in similar initiatives, for example, in 2021 when preparing for the marking of medicines. At that time, specialists had to study the entire sequence of actions and establish interaction with the National Information System Asl Belgisi, from product registration to code application.
A similar approach was applied when preparing for the marking of medical devices. According to Nigora Makhsudkhanova, the goal was to go through the entire marking cycle specifically in a trial mode. Preliminary checks, she notes, allow for the identification of both organizational and technical problems before the new rules become mandatory.
How the testing is conducted
The preparation process began with staff training. Company employees received instruction from Asl Belgisi specialists regarding product registration, obtaining and applying codes, as well as the specifics of marking this new category of goods. Furthermore, work was carried out to integrate ICPU with DataMatrix codes on the Tasnif Soliq platform.
Makhsudkhanova reported that the main workflows were successfully practiced, and any arising issues were resolved promptly. However, the testing demonstrated that implementing marking affects not only the application of digital tags but also other aspects of the company's operations. It is necessary to consider the deadlines for updating packaging designs, forecast warehouse stocks, and anticipate possible logistical and technical complexities in advance.
Impact of marking on company activities
The introduction of the new system required the active involvement of various internal departments. Employees from sales, import, logistics, planning, and production departments were involved in the preparation process. Thus, marking transformed from a purely technical task into an integral part of the overall business process structure. According to the company representative, coordination between these divisions has strengthened and continues even after the completion of the main test tasks.
Significance of the pilot project
Preliminary testing gives manufacturers the opportunity to assess the condition of their equipment and information systems, train personnel, prepare packaging, and account for additional steps when drawing up supply plans. This is critically important for pharmaceutical and medical products, as disruptions in logistics or production can negatively affect supply stability. Participation in the pilot also allows for the early detection of problems that could cause delays upon full system launch.
Feedback from businesses
The pilot project is significant not only for manufacturers but also for the operator of the Asl Belgisi system. During the trials, specialists have the opportunity to assess how effectively the marking mechanisms function in real production and logistical conditions. Questions received from participants help determine areas requiring additional training, clarification, or technical support.
Nigora Makhsudkhanova advises companies that have not yet started implementing marking to study the requirements in advance, undergo appropriate training, and check the technical equipment of their production facilities.
Marking and product traceability
Digital marking implies assigning a unique identifier to each unit of product, which tracks its movement at all stages of circulation. This forms a basis for itemized accounting and ensuring product traceability. Nevertheless, the success of the entire system depends not only on the technology itself but also on the readiness of all market participants to follow the newly established rules. The pilot project provides manufacturers with a chance to test their processes before transitioning to the mandatory system, and the operator receives valuable feedback to adjust the system's operation based on practical business experience.
