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:

ICH: Updated Q9(R1) Briefing Pack

ICH: Updated Q9(R1) Briefing Pack

The ICH has fully revised the Q9(R1) Briefing Pack (March/April 2026) to align with the updated ICH Q9 guideline.
Read more
EMA: New Plans for the EU GMP Guide

EMA: New Plans for the EU GMP Guide

EMA published the GMDP Inspectors Working Group’s new 2026-2028 work plan and its 2025 annual report.
Read more
EMA: Pharmaceutical Quality System (PQS) Effectiveness Pilot Project

EMA: Pharmaceutical Quality System (PQS) Effectiveness Pilot Project

EMA launched a pilot under which EEA GMP inspectors will assess how sites demonstrate the effectiveness of their pharmaceutical quality system for risk-based change management, and whether the EEA GMP certificate could serve as the main evidence of this effectiveness.
Read more
EMA: Updated Guideline on Active Substance Chemistry

EMA: Updated Guideline on Active Substance Chemistry

The EMA has updated guidance on the information required for the manufacture and control of active substances used in medicinal products, with a 1 September 2026 date of application.
Read more
EMA: Q&A on the Implementation of 3DP Technology for Solid Oral Dosage Forms

EMA: Q&A on the Implementation of 3DP Technology for Solid Oral Dosage Forms

EMA added a new GMP/Q&A section on its website and published a dedicated Q&A document on 3D printing (3DP) for solid oral dosage forms.
Read more
Microbiological Monitoring – Sources of Contamination

Microbiological Monitoring – Sources of Contamination

All pharmaceutical dosage forms must be manufactured under controlled microbiological conditions. This requires microbial monitoring. This applies not only to sterile manufacturing, but also to facilities that manufacture non-sterile products.
Read more
Previous
Next