Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation

EDQM: TOP 10 Deficiencies in New CEP Applications

The European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and HealthCare (EDQM) has published the top 10 deficiencies identified in 2023 following the initial evaluation of new applications for Certificates of Suitability (CEP).

The TOP 1 deficiency was a lack of detail and/or poor description of the manufacturing process of the substance from the introduction of starting materials (12%).

The TOP 2 deficiency relates to inadequate or poorly justified specifications proposed to control the quality of isolated intermediates (11%) and starting materials (7%).

Other deficiencies include the absence or inadequacy of risk discussions on mutagenic impurities, nitrosamines and residual solvents and the absence or inadequacy of acceptance criteria for raw materials.

This document is intended to help applicants avoid such problems. Expanded details on specific points from each deficiency are provided to inform the users but should always be considered in conjunction with the EDQM guideline “Content of the Dossier for Chemical Purity and Microbiological Quality of Substances for Pharmaceutical Use” which outlines the specific requirements for the submission of CEP applications.


Source:

EDQM: Newsroom

Meet the GMP Compliance Adviser

The GMP Compliance Adviser is the world's largest knowledge portal for quality management in the pharma business. 

The demo access is non-binding and ends automatically.

Test it now for free

You may also be Interested in the Following Articles:

PIC/S: Jordan FDA Joins PIC/S

PIC/S: Jordan FDA Joins PIC/S

On 1 January 2026, the Jordan Food & Drug Administration (JFDA) became the 57th PIC/S Participating Authority.

Read more
Swissmedic: Scientific GMDP Meetings

Swissmedic: Scientific GMDP Meetings

Swissmedic offers companies holding or seeking a Swissmedic manufacturing or distribution license the opportunity to discuss project-specific GMP and GDP topics in Scientific GMDP Meetings.

Read more
Purified Water – The new Chinese Pharmacopoeias and What Happens Next? NEU

Purified Water – The new Chinese Pharmacopoeias and What Happens Next? NEU

A new Chinese Pharmacopoeia was published in 2025. This has some significant implications for the pharmaceutical water industry, which we will discuss in more detail in this article. Firstly, it is important to note that cold WFI systems are now permitted worldwide and can be used across the board.
Read more
What are the requirements for gas distribution systems?

What are the requirements for gas distribution systems?

You can view the answer here:
Read more
What are the quality requirements for pharmaceutical gases?

What are the quality requirements for pharmaceutical gases?

You can view the answer here:
Read more
EMA: Update on the Guideline “Stability Testing for Variations”

EMA: Update on the Guideline “Stability Testing for Variations”

The EMA has updated the guideline on stability testing for variations (Revision 3, applicable from 15 January 2026).
Read more
Previous
Next