Dachser said more locations in its global network have been certified according to GDP (Good Distribution Practice) since the beginning of January, boosting its capability to transport pharmaceutical products.

The German logistics company said existing certifications were renewed in audits.

“This means that the logistics provider meets the high requirements for the transportation of pharmaceutical products at locations in North and South America, Europe, and Asia,” Dascher said in a statement.

The logistics service provider has successfully renewed or completed audits for the industry-wide GDP seal of approval in several countries: The branches in Atlanta and Chicago in the United States, Mexico City in Mexico and Campinas in Brazil meet the GDP quality guidelines, while in Europe the locations in Madrid, Barcelona and Frankfurt as well as the Head Office in Kempten were recertified. 

In addition, the branch in Mumbai, India, successfully passed the audit.

In October 2024, the locations in Shanghai, China, and Hyderabad, India, also received the certificate. 

The locations in Atlanta, Frankfurt, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Shanghai are also certified with IATA CEIV Pharma.

“With this certification, DACHSER fulfills the strict requirements for a logistics partner in the transport, storage and handling of products from the life science and healthcare sector and complies with the regulations for a safe transport chain,” the company said.

Netka Hohlfeld, department head Life Science and Healthcare at DACHSER, said with the latest GDP compliance certifications,  Dascher is continuing the certification process of its strategic locations for life science and healthcare around the globe.

“It is our goal to meet and exceed customer, legal and product requirements for these sensitive goods along the entire supply chain.”

Hohlfeld noted that in the future, all DACHSER branches involved in the transport or storage of pharmaceutical products will gradually receive GDP certifications.

Strict pharma transport requirements

Dascher said shipments of medicines, vaccines and other pharmaceuticals are often temperature- and time-sensitive and are subject to complex legal conditions and that the GDP certificate ensures that Dascher knows and complies with the strict performance and quality regulations in the life science and healthcare sector.

The certification process consists of a review of various quality aspects in the handling, storage and transportation of pharmaceuticals along the entire supply chain, and ensures that contamination is properly avoided. 

In addition, the handling of temperature-sensitive life science and healthcare deliveries is monitored. Risk management and the quality of internal and external employee training are also part of the audits. 

GDP certification, an internationally recognized industry standard,  confirms that the right products reach the right consignee within certain time limits and that all medicines in the supply chain are approved in accordance with European Union (EU) legislation.