By CAS
GDP — Good Distribution Practices
Good Distribution Practices certification for distributors, wholesalers, and logistics providers — ensuring product integrity and quality throughout the distribution chain.
By CAS
WHO GDP Guidelines
WHO GDP Guidelines
GDP
What is Good Distribution Practices?
Good Distribution Practices (GDP) are guidelines that ensure medicinal products and regulated goods are consistently stored, transported, and handled under conditions that preserve their quality and integrity throughout the distribution chain — from manufacturer to end user.
Who Is This For?
Pharmaceutical distributors, wholesalers, logistics providers, 3PL operators, importers, and exporters of regulated products including medicines, medical devices, cosmetics, and food.
Key Benefits
- Required for pharmaceutical wholesale and distribution licences
- Ensures product integrity throughout the cold chain and distribution network
- Reduces product losses, counterfeiting risk, and regulatory violations
- Required by pharmaceutical manufacturers for approved distributor status
- Supports market access in GCC and EU export markets
- Complements GMP and GSP in a complete supply chain certification programme
Certification Process
1
Application & Review
Submit your application. CAS reviews your organisation's scope, personnel, sites, and activities to prepare a detailed audit time calculation and formal commercial proposal.
2
Stage 1 — Document Review
On-site or remote review of your management system documentation, readiness assessment, and confirmation of Stage 2 audit scope and plan.
3
Stage 2 — On-site Audit
Full on-site audit of the implemented management system against the standard's requirements. Findings are reported; nonconformities must be closed before certification.
4
Certification Decision
CAS's independent certification committee reviews the audit findings and issues the certificate. The certificate is valid for 3 years.
5
Surveillance & Recertification
Annual surveillance audits (~1/3 of initial audit time) maintain certification. Recertification audit (~2/3 of initial time) is conducted before certificate expiry to renew for a further 3 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
GMP covers manufacturing processes; GDP covers distribution and transport of manufactured products. Many supply chain organisations need GDP without being manufacturers.
Yes. GDP guidelines include specific requirements for temperature-controlled transport and storage, particularly important for biological products, vaccines, and temperature-sensitive medicines.
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