01Why Pharma and life sciences needs specialised logistics
Pharma logistics requires validated cold chains, end-to-end chain of custody, GDP compliance and specialised equipment (active/passive containers, reefers). Mistakes cost not just money but patient safety.
Requirements differ significantly from standard LCL logistics: different documents, different equipment, different safety standards.
02Typical goods and trade flows
Main commodities: Vaccines, biologics, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), clinical trial material, medical devices, diagnostics.
Flows usually go from a small number of production and raw-material sources to global distribution centres. Transit time, frequency and capacity booking are therefore critical.
03Equipment and packaging
Validated temperature containers (2–8 °C, –20 °C, –70 °C), cool liners, thermal covers, dataloggers, GPS trackers.
Equipment choice directly affects transport cost, CO₂ footprint and damage rate. Recommendation: agree an equipment concept with the carrier before requesting the first quote.
04Compliance and regulatory framework
Key frameworks: GDP (EU 2013/C 343/01), GMP, WHO-PQ, FDA 21 CFR, serialisation per EU-FMD.
Beyond those, industry-specific certificates and audits (e.g. supplier audits, AEO, TAPA) are typically prerequisites for market access.
Frequently asked questions
Which Incoterm should I use for Pharma and life sciences?
In practice, CIP oder DAP is the industry default. The final choice depends on country, sales model and tax situation — always have the term reviewed by customs and tax advisers before contract.
Which regulations are most critical?
The frameworks named above — particularly GDP (EU 2013/C 343/01), GMP — should be embedded in your SOPs and audit programme.