Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation

EMA: New Q&A on Supply Chain Traceability

The EMA has revised the Q&As on good manufacturing and distribution practices (GMPs/GDPs). A new question and answer on the documentation of supply chain traceability has been added to the section about EU GMP Guide Annex 16 certification by a qualified person and batch release.

The question:
How should the traceability of the supply chain of the active substance and medicinal product be documented to support the Qualified Person batch certification and release.

EMA’s response:

  • To meet the certification requirements in Section 1 of EU GMP Guide Annex 16, the entire manufacturing and distribution supply chain of the medicinal product and its active substance must be documented and available to the Qualified Person.
  • Supply chain records should ensure traceability, be available promptly, and support activities like quality defect investigations, product recalls, or requests from authorities.
  • These records should identify all entities, including suppliers and outsourced services, involved in manufacturing each batch, as per the registered supply chain.
  • Additionally, in line with Chapters 1 and 5 of EU GMP Guide Part I, supply chain traceability risks should be formally assessed, periodically reviewed, and mitigated with appropriate measures.

Source:

EMA: Guidance on good manufacturing practice and good distribution practice: Questions and answers

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:

EMA: New Q&A on Product Lifecycle Management (PLCM)

EMA: New Q&A on Product Lifecycle Management (PLCM)

The EMA has published new Questions & Answers on the use of the Product Lifecycle Management (PLCM) document, clarifying its role within the EU variations framework for post-approval quality changes.
Read more
EMA: New Q&A for Co-Processed Excipients

EMA: New Q&A for Co-Processed Excipients

The EMA has published new Questions & Answers on co-processed excipients (CoPEs) used in solid oral dosage forms, introducing a harmonised, risk-based regulatory approach applicable to human and veterinary medicines.

Read more
What is the Data Lifecycle?

What is the Data Lifecycle?

Here's the answer:
Read more
GMP Regulations Report 2025

GMP Regulations Report 2025

What do the regulatory developments mean for your professional environment? Which requirements have a direct impact on your day-to-day work, and where is there an urgent need for action? Our GMP Regulations Report 2025 provides a clear structure, practical explanations, and the most important regulatory developments of 2025 – concise, well-organized, and relevant.
Read more
EU: Parliament Approves Regulation Proposal on Critical Medicines

EU: Parliament Approves Regulation Proposal on Critical Medicines

The European Parliament has approved regulatory measures aimed at strengthening the availability and supply of critical medicines in the EU.
Read more
What is a gas?

What is a gas?

You can view the answer here:
Read more
Previous
Next