Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation

EMA: Update on GDP-Q&As for Broker Activities

The EMA added two good distribution practice (GDP) questions to its Q&A section on GMP/GDP topics in early January 2023. They should clarify how the GDP rules apply to brokers operating outside the European Economic Area (EEA).

The new questions address whether a broker can handle activities between contracting parties outside the EEA and whether he can also have broker activities for medicinal products without a marketing authorisation in the EEA but with authorisation outside the EEA.

The answer to both questions is no. As an explanation, the EMA referred to its 2013 guidelines on GDPs (paragraphs 10.4 v and iv). The guidelines require suppliers and customers to be located in the EEA. Brokerage activities between suppliers and customers outside the EEA fall outside the scope of EU legislation. Similarly, a medicinal product must be authorised in at least one EEA country for the regulations to apply.


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:

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