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What to look for when choosing a partner to store and move pharmaceutical goods: written requirements, qualification and who releases stock.
Key takeaways
- Start with the product owner’s storage, transport, packaging, security and release conditions.
- Review the facilities, equipment, training, monitoring and written procedures.
- The shipment identity and handover records should remain linked to any required monitoring evidence.
Get the product requirements in writing
Start with the product owner’s storage, transport, packaging, security and release conditions. Requirements differ by product and activity, so involve qualified regulatory advice and the applicable official guidance before choosing an operator.
Check the proposed operation against those requirements
Review the facilities, equipment, training, monitoring and written procedures. Ask how rejected, damaged or potentially affected stock is kept separate while a decision is made. Experience with general warehousing does not establish pharmaceutical qualification.
Keep the decision with the goods
The shipment identity and handover records should remain linked to any required monitoring evidence. Identify who may release stock and who must be contacted when a condition is not met. This lets the next team see whether the goods are ready to move or still awaiting a decision.
Further reading
WHO guidance on storing and transporting temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products
Questions about this topic
Does ambient warehousing establish pharmaceutical suitability?
No. Suitability depends on the product and activity, and requires separate qualification. Delv’s public warehousing scope is ambient storage.
Who should decide whether affected stock can be released?
The person authorised under the product owner’s applicable procedures. The transport or storage team should not assume that authority.