Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation

EMA: Update of Q&A on flexible regulatory GMP/GDP requirements during COVID-19

A second revised version of the Q&A document was published on May 26, 2020. A new block of questions (sub-point 6) with six questions and answers deals with the additional temporary flexibility in the GMP/GDP area.

The following aspects are addressed:

  • New/re-purposed use of premises and equipment for the production of medicinal products for the treatment of COVID-19 under limited prospective qualification and concurrent validation
  • Temporary changes in quality related tasks to provide resources for the production of medicinal products to treat COVID-19
  • Temporary flexibility to address shortages of imported medicinal products for the treatment of COVID-19
  • Adaptations to the work of the Responsible Person (RP) with regard to travel, absenteeism and other COVID-19 restrictions
  • Use of new equipment or newly authorised premises for storage and distribution of medicinal products with limited prospective qualification

Under point 2, on GMP/GDP for finished products and active ingredients, question 2.1 dealing with the rapid implementation of adaptations in the manufacturing/supply chain to ensure the supply of medicines in the EU has been revised.

In addition, a new question 2.3 has been added, which explains measures to replace on-site inspections of plasma collection centres.

The Q&A document prepared by the European Commission, the EMA and the Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA) on the more flexible regulatory requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic will be continuously adapted (we reported). As a marketing authorisation holder you should check this page of the EMA regularly for new information.


Source:

EMA: Questions And Answers On Regulatory Expectations For Medicinal Products For Human Use During The Covid-19 Pandemic

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:

Annex 22: EMA Workshop on AI in GMP

Annex 22: EMA Workshop on AI in GMP

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) will hold a two-day multistakeholder workshop on 30 June and 1 July 2026 to gather expert input for the development of Annex 22 of the EU GMP Guide on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicines manufacturing.
Read more
EU: Commission Implementing Regulation on QM and Conformity Assessment Activities of Notified Bodies

EU: Commission Implementing Regulation on QM and Conformity Assessment Activities of Notified Bodies

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/977 of 4 May 2026 further specifies requirements for notified bodies under the MDR and IVDR frameworks and aims to promote a more harmonised implementation across the European Union.
Read more
FDA: Pilot Program for One-Day Inspectional Assessments

FDA: Pilot Program for One-Day Inspectional Assessments

Since April 2026, the U.S. FDA has been piloting “One-Day Inspectional Assessments” as a complement to standard FDA inspections.
Read more
The ABC of User Requirements Specification (URS)

The ABC of User Requirements Specification (URS)

In the URS, the future user defines what the system should be capable of, but also what it is limited to. In addition to the (testable!) technical requirements, regulatory require-ments should also be taken into account.
Read more
What is the Importance of Data Integrity?

What is the Importance of Data Integrity?

Here's the answer:
Read more
EDQM: Updated Guideline on CEP Revisions and Renewals

EDQM: Updated Guideline on CEP Revisions and Renewals

The European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare has published a revised version of its guideline on the revision and renewal of Certificates of Suitability (CEPs) (PA/PH/CEP (04) 02), aligning it with recent EU legislation on variation procedures.
Read more
Previous
Next