| 1. Verify the supplier’s authorization and role | Wholesale distribution authorization and supply-chain position | Current wholesale distribution authorization, the competent authority’s public register entry where available, and a clear description of whether the supplier is the wholesaler, broker, or another intermediary. | EU GDP applies to wholesale distribution of medicinal products. The supplier’s authorization and the legitimacy of the distribution chain should be checked before placing an order. | Proceed only when the relevant authorization and the supplier’s role in the transaction are clear and independently verifiable. |
| 2. Qualify the supplier before purchase | Supplier approval and quality-system controls | Documented supplier-qualification process, quality-system overview, responsible-person details, and written procedures for purchasing, receipt, storage, dispatch, and deviation handling. | EU GDP calls for a quality system and for suppliers to be appropriately qualified and approved. Responsibilities should be documented and understood. | Look for controlled procedures, assigned responsibilities, and records showing that supplier approval is risk-based and periodically reviewed. |
| 3. Confirm product identity and traceability | Product documentation, batch identification, and provenance | Product name and strength, dosage form, pack details, batch or lot number, expiry date, relevant authorization information, and documents linking the offered stock to its source. | GDP receipt and supply controls support verification of medicinal products and the maintenance of traceable distribution records. Product-specific requirements must also be checked against the applicable authorization and product information. | Reject or place on hold any offer with incomplete, inconsistent, altered, or unverifiable product and batch information. |
| 4. Check storage conditions against the product information | Warehouse conditions and temperature monitoring | Applicable storage instructions for the exact product presentation; temperature-mapping information where relevant; monitoring records; alarm and excursion procedures; and records of any temperature deviations affecting the offered stock. | EU GDP requires medicinal products to be stored in suitable conditions, with temperature controlled and monitored as required. Do not assume that every cefuroxime sodium injection presentation has the same storage requirements; verify the authorized product information for the specific product. | Accept only when storage conditions match the applicable product requirements and any excursions have been assessed and documented. |
| 5. Assess packaging, handling, and transport controls | Dispatch protection and transport arrangements | Packaging and handling procedures, route and carrier controls, shipment records, delivery-condition requirements, and a process for reporting transport delays, damage, or temperature excursions. | EU GDP requires transport conditions to preserve product quality and integrity. Transport arrangements should reflect the product’s specified storage and handling conditions. | Require a documented, suitable route and clear escalation procedures for damaged, delayed, or potentially compromised shipments. |
| 6. Review complaint, return, and recall processes | Post-distribution quality and safety response | Written procedures for complaints, returns, suspected falsified products, product defects, and recalls; contact points; and evidence that distribution records can support a prompt batch-level trace. | EU GDP includes procedures for complaints, returned medicinal products, suspected falsified medicinal products, and recalls. Returned products are subject to defined assessment before any decision on resale. | Confirm that affected batches can be identified and traced quickly and that stock can be segregated while an investigation is underway. |
| 7. Check records, documentation, and commercial consistency | Order-to-delivery records and transaction review | Quotation and order documents, invoices, delivery notes, batch and expiry details, applicable certificates or product documents, and clear records of the parties involved in the supply. | GDP requires distribution activities to be documented and records to support traceability. Commercial documents should be consistent with the verified product, supplier role, and distribution route. | Resolve mismatches in product details, quantities, batch information, or supply-chain parties before release or payment. |