Good Distribution Practice of Medicinal Products for Human Use (GDP)

Good Distribution Practice (GDP) is a set of guidelines that ensure the quality and integrity of medicinal products is maintained throughout the supply chain. GDP applies to all aspects of the distribution process, including sourcing, storage, transportation, and delivery of medicinal products.

The requirements of GDP are established by the European Commission and include the following:

• Medicines in the supply chain must be authorized in accordance with European Union (EU) legislation.
• Medicines must be stored in the right conditions at all times, including during transportation.
• Contamination by or of other products must be avoided.
• An adequate turnover of stored medicines must take place.
• The right products must reach the right addressee within a satisfactory time period.
• A tracing system must be put in place to enable finding faulty products and an effective recall procedure.

Compliance with GDP ensures that the quality and integrity of medicinal products is maintained throughout the supply chain, and that the right products reach the right addressee within a satisfactory time period. GDP also helps to prevent the distribution of counterfeit, unapproved, illegally imported, stolen, substandard, adulterated, and/or misbranded pharmaceutical products.

Certifying Good Distribution Practice (GDP) can bring several benefits to a company. Here are some of the benefits:

• Improved product quality: GDP ensures that the quality and integrity of medicinal products is maintained throughout the supply chain, which can lead to improved product quality.
• Reduced risk of product recalls: GDP helps to prevent the distribution of counterfeit, unapproved, illegally imported, stolen, substandard, adulterated, and/or misbranded pharmaceutical products, which can reduce the risk of product recalls.
• Improved customer satisfaction: By ensuring that the right products reach the right addressee within a satisfactory time period, GDP can improve customer satisfaction.
• Compliance with regulations: Compliance with GDP ensures that a company is meeting the requirements established by the European Commission.
• Competitive advantage: Implementing and certifying GDP can give a company a competitive advantage over other companies that do not comply with GDP.