Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation

EMA: What EU adaptations are necessary for ICH Q12?

The ICH Q12 guideline on technical and regulatory considerations for pharmaceutical product lifecycle management was adopted by the CHMP (European Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use) in January 2020. On March 4,  the EMA (European Medicines Agency) published a two page note on the implementation of ICH Q12. It addresses the fact that there are conceptual differences between ICH Q12 and the EU legal framework. Therefore, a 1:1 application in the EU is not possible without further ado.

This applies to

  • the term “Established Conditions (ECs)” and  the associated reporting categories (section 3.2.3), which do not exist in EU law, and
  • the Product Lifecycle Management (PLCM) document, as described in Chapter 5 which is not considered compatible with the existing EU legal framework on variations.

However, it is clearly understood, that the legal requirements of the EU take precedence over scientific or technical guidelines. Therefore, the definition ECs and their reporting categories must comply with EU Variation Regulation(EC) No1234/2008 and the associated guidelines. As far as PLCM documents are concerned, if submitted, they currently cannot be recognised in the EU.

Irrespective of this, the concepts in ICH Q12, which are not foreseen in the EU regulatory framework will be further reviewed. The European Commission, together with the EMA and the National Competent Authorities, will continue to work on the implementation of ICH Q12 within the existing EU legal framework.


Source:

EMA: Note on EU Implementation of ICH Q12

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:

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
EU: Proposal for Simplification of Medical Device Rules

EU: Proposal for Simplification of Medical Device Rules

The European Commission has proposed targeted reforms to simplify the Medical Device Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2017/745, MDR) and the In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2017/746, IVDR) and to address structural implementation challenges.
Read more
EU: Proposal for a European Biotech Act

EU: Proposal for a European Biotech Act

The European Commission has presented a proposal for a European Biotech Act aimed at strengthening Europe’s biotechnology potential and accelerating the translation of innovation from the laboratory to the market.

Read more
EMA: Concept Paper for the Revision of Annex 3 on Radiopharmaceuticals

EMA: Concept Paper for the Revision of Annex 3 on Radiopharmaceuticals

The EMA has published a concept paper outlining a future revision of Annex 3 (Manufacture of Radiopharmaceuticals) of the EU GMP Guidelines. The paper was developed in collaboration with PIC/S and adopted by the GMDP Inspectors Working Group (IWG) at its November meeting.

Read more
EMA: Q&A on QP Certification Without Physical EU Import

EMA: Q&A on QP Certification Without Physical EU Import

The EMA has published a new Q&A addressing QP certification for batches that are neither manufactured within the EU/EEA nor intended for the EU/EEA market, and that are not physically imported into the EU/EEA.

Read more
Previous
Next