GDP — Good Distribution Practices
Good Distribution Practices certification for distributors, wholesalers, and logistics providers — ensuring product integrity and quality throughout the distribution chain.
Standard
WHO GDP Guidelines
Service type
By CAS
Issued under
CAS — own authority
What it is
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 needs it
Pharmaceutical distributors, wholesalers, logistics providers, 3PL operators, importers, and exporters of regulated products including medicines, medical devices, cosmetics, and food.
Benefits of certification
- 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
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the difference between GDP and GMP?
GMP covers manufacturing processes; GDP covers distribution and transport of manufactured products. Many supply chain organisations need GDP without being manufacturers.
Does GDP apply to cold chain logistics?
Yes. GDP guidelines include specific requirements for temperature-controlled transport and storage, particularly important for biological products, vaccines, and temperature-sensitive medicines.
Ready to certify against WHO GDP Guidelines?
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