Recently, the Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Department of Agriculture, and Cooperation and Farmers Welfare issued a notification that the QR code on the labels of insecticides must contain information such as:
- The unique identifier or GTIN
- Batch number
- Date of manufacturing
- Expiry date
- Website
The measure has been taken to ensure quick traceability of crop protection products such as insecticides and to ensure that the farmers get access to genuine products instead of spurious ones.
According to the mandate, the farmer can use a mobile phone to scan the QR code. The QR code should take them to the manufacturing company’s website, where they can find complete information about the label.
To comply with the new mandate, the agrochemical industry will have to implement traceability solutions to track the origin of the product. This means that the manufacturer will have to mark every saleable unit with unique markings (UID).
Why QR Codes Matter in Agrochemical Labelling
QR codes act as a bridge between physical labels and digital data. By scanning a code with a smartphone, users can instantly access critical information such as:
- Product usage instructions
- Safety data sheets (SDS)
- Expiry dates and batch details
- Regulatory compliance documents
- Multilingual instructions for global markets
This eliminates the need for bulky printed manuals and reduces the risk of outdated information being used in the field.
Regulatory Compliance Made Simple
Many regions have strict labelling requirements for agrochemical products, including hazard symbols, active ingredients, and traceability details. QR codes allow manufacturers to:
- Update information in real time without reprinting labels
- Provide full documentation for inspectors or customers
- Meet global compliance standards like GHS (Globally Harmonized System) and REACH
The Benefits of Using Tracking and Traceability Solutions
Agrochemical companies can use QR tracking and traceability solutions to ensure quick and simple compliance.
Let’s look at how it can help the companies:
- Counterfeit / Brand Protection: There have been many surveys on this topic. Some of them indicate that 1 in 2 consumers have had a personal experience with a counterfeit product. Damages consequential but non tangible losses may be even greater like loss of goodwill, associated regulatory action, health and safety issues. Traceability addresses this concern comprehensively.
- Marketing and Sales: : Since at the heart of traceability is serialization of each and every sales unit, it unlocks tremendous marketing and sales opportunities. Some examples are given below:
- a) Loyalty programs (Channel and consumer)
- b) Add to traceability data the power of internet and we have direct consumer engagement
- c) Dealer stock monitoring
- d) Distribution channel monitoring
- Automation: Since track and trace solutions involve data driven recognition at every stage, this opens up tremendous automation opportunities. From Warehouse to dispatch of finished goods many processes can be automated, where data is used in real time and on an accurate basis.
- Vendor Management: Vendors are an integral part of any company’s success. Linking internal productivity, quality and deliveries with vendors, lead to massive gains in right vendor selection and performance.
How does QodeNext compliance solution work?
Step 1: Use our SETU Line Software to Print Validate and Aggregate data on production Line
Step 2: Auto – Upload Production data to SETU On Demand Cloud data services
Step 3: Point your company url to SETU API on Cloud
Step 4: You are now ready and compliant.
Step 5: Monitor and review
Qodenext Compliance Solution
How Qodenext Helps Companies to Comply with The New Mandate
Considering that traceability solutions can help agrochemical companies to follow the Government’s new mandate, it’s important to find the right partner who can address the tracing needs.
Some benefits of partnering with us are:
- Focus on Traceability: QodeNext is a leader in end-to-end tracing and tracking solutions. Today, we believe, we are one of the largest issuers of unique IDs in India.
- Experience in Industry: Top agro-chemical companies already use SETU based solutions. Some of these installations are over 5 years old.
- Partner Ecosystem: QodeNext has and maintains a diverse group of partners specialize in Printing scanning and automation. Our flexible solution integrates with a wide variety of HW. This provides flexibility to operations.
- Countrywide Network: We have an extensive network with 9 branches and presence in 60 cities.
To know more about our products and solutions, contact us.
Conclusion
In summary, mandatory QR codes on agrochemical product labels represent a major step forward in ensuring traceability, authenticity, and safety in India’s crop protection industry. By adopting advanced track-and-trace solutions like those offered by QodeNext, agrochemical companies can achieve seamless compliance with government mandates, prevent counterfeiting, automate supply chain operations, and build greater trust among farmers and stakeholders.
Choosing an experienced partner with a countrywide network and flexible integration is the key to guaranteed compliance and long-term success in the agrochemical sector. With technology driving transparency and efficiency, the future of crop protection is secure, data-driven, and farmer-focused.
If you need customized advice or a demonstration of QodeNext’s compliance solutions, reach out to their expert team and take the first step toward streamlined, government-compliant traceability.
FAQs: QR Code Compliance for Agrochemical Industry
1. What is the purpose of QR codes on agrochemical product labels?
The QR code enables instant traceability of insecticides and crop protection products, ensuring that farmers can quickly access authentic product details and verify their origin using a mobile phone.
2. What information must be included in the QR code on insecticide labels as per Indian regulations?
Labels must have the unique identifier or GTIN, batch number, manufacturing date, expiry date, and a link to the company website for detailed product information.
3. How do QR codes help prevent counterfeiting in agrochemicals?
Each product is assigned a unique code, making it easier to track and verify authenticity. Scanning the code confirms the product is genuine, providing protection against counterfeit goods.
4. What are the benefits of serialization and traceability beyond compliance?
Serialization creates opportunities for direct consumer engagement, channel loyalty programs, dealer stock monitoring, and more accurate data-driven marketing and sales strategies.
5. Can farmers easily scan QR codes on agrochemical labels?
Yes. Farmers can use any smartphone to scan the label, which directs them to the manufacturer’s website for complete product details and verification.
6. How do QR codes improve supply chain transparency for agrochemical companies?
By enabling end-to-end traceability, companies can monitor the movement of every sales unit from production to distribution and sale, ensuring better inventory and vendor management.
7. What role does QodeNext play in QR code compliance for agrochemical brands?
QodeNext offers comprehensive traceability and serialization solutions, helping agrochemical manufacturers print, validate, aggregate, and manage QR code data for regulatory compliance.
8. Is the QodeNext solution adaptable to existing production lines and software?
Yes. QodeNext’s SETU platform flexibly integrates with various printing, scanning, automation hardware, and software used by agrochemical companies.
9. How does automation assist in regulatory compliance and operational efficiency?
Automated track-and-trace systems using QR codes reduce manual errors, speed up warehouse and dispatch processes, and enable accurate real-time data management.
10. Are non-compliant products penalized under the new QR code mandate?
Non-compliance can lead to regulatory action, recalls, reputational damage, and loss of market access, highlighting the importance of implementing robust traceability solutions.
