Good Distribution Practice

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Last updated: 22 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://health.ec.europa.eu/medicinal-products/good-manufacturing-and-distribution-practices_en

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Definition & Explanation

Good Distribution Practice (GDP) is a regulatory framework that sets binding standards for the storage, handling, and transport of medicinal products, covering the entire supply chain from the manufacturing site to the pharmacy or clinical endpoint. It defines requirements for warehousing facilities, vehicles, staff qualifications, and documentation to preserve product quality and integrity throughout distribution. Freight forwarders and contract logistics providers handling pharmaceuticals must hold GDP qualification and are subject to regular regulatory audits. Specific provisions govern temperature-controlled transport (cold chain integrity), batch traceability, and the prevention of falsified medicines. Unlike GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), which applies during production, GDP takes effect the moment goods leave the manufacturing site.

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