Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation

EMA: Reflection Paper on GMP-related responsibilities of MAHs

On 14 January 2020, the EMA published a draft Reflection Paper on the GMP-related obligations of marketing authorisation holders (MAHs). In general, these responsibilities relate to outsourcing and technical agreements. However, they are spread over the different chapters and annexes of the EU GMP Guideline and are also quite numerous. The aim of the reflection paper now is to clarify in a single document what the different responsibilities are and what they mean for MAHs at a practical level. It also addresses the legal provisions in European Directives and other Directives that relate to GMP and also affect marketing authorisation holders.

To summarize all these aspects in their totality and what they mean for MAHs at a practical level is presented under a number of different themes:

  • Outsourcing and technical agreements
  • Audits and qualification activities
  • Communication with manufacturing sites (e.g. MA dossier information, variations, regulatory 269 commitments, etc.)
  • Product Quality Reviews
  • Quality defects, complaints and product recalls
  • Maintenance of supply of medicinal products
  • Continual improvement activities.

It is intended that this 31-page Reflection Paper will provide increased clarity for MAHs in this area, and that it will serve as a useful resource for MAHs when designing (or reviewing) their internal systems as well as their interactions with manufacturing  sites.


Source:

EMA draft: Reflection Paper on GMP and Marketing Authorisation Holders

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