Packaging will play an important part in an EU crackdown on counterfeit drugs from next year, the European industry commissioner has revealed.

Günter Verheugen told German newspaper Die Welt the Commission was "extremely concerned" about the growing quantities of counterfeit medicines that were reaching consumers.

"There will be anti-counterfeit markings on the packaging, including a bar code. There will also be a seal to show whether the packaging has already been opened, and by whom," said Verheugen.

Verheugen highlighted a two-month period during which 34 million fake tablets were seized across the continent, which he said exceeded the EU's worst fears.

A year ago, European legislation on counterfeit drugs was criticised for not dealing with the repackaging of medicines.