DSCSA Update and What It Means for Your Pharmacy

As of August 27, the DSCSA wholesaler deadline, IPC Warehouse remains compliant and provides product level traceability and required documentation.

Wholesale distributors like IPC must now operate under the next phase of DSCSA. In practice that means serialized data exchange using EPCIS, verification of returned product before resale, and matching Global Location Numbers (GLN) for transactions and returns.

GLN is not required for large dispensers with 26 or more full-time employees until November 27, 2025. Next year on November 27, 2026, small dispensers with fewer than 26 full-time employees must meet the same requirement. IPC will keep members updated as these dates approach.

In accordance with our return policy, IPC will only accept returns that we sold to you. Returned items must be in saleable condition and must have a legible scannable product identifier barcode. If we cannot read the barcode, we cannot take it back. All returns require an RMA. Items not on the RMA will be returned to the sender under our return policy.

McKesson is operating under the same DSCSA framework. They verify saleable returns and align returns to the original purchasing customer with readable product identifiers and matching identifiers across transactions. Review the DSCSA guidance in your McKesson portal for their specific return rules and timing.

Following these steps keeps your pharmacy audit ready, reduces return rejections and credit delays, and protects patient safety. It also helps you avoid disruptions in ordering and restocking so your patients get what they need on time.

1. Review the IPC Product Return Policy and share it with your team.
2. Request an RMA before sending any return.
3. Check that barcodes are visible and scannable before you ship.
4. Contact IPC if you have any questions.

Need more clarity on what these updates mean for your pharmacy? Visit our DSCSA FAQs for detailed information on GLN requirements, serialized product data, and compliance timelines.

For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information, review the FDA’s Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) page. The FDA outlines each phase of DSCSA implementation, key requirements for dispensers and wholesalers, and current guidance documents that support industry compliance.