UTi Worldwide Inc. has achieved CEIV Pharma certification in the comprehensive IATA training and pharmaceutical freight certification programme, the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV), at Brussels Airport.

“With this certification, UTi provides clients a competitive advantage in assuring cold chain integrity beyond the Good Distribution Practices (GDP) to which the rest of the air freight industry adheres,” said Phil Abbate, UTi global vice president, Pharmaceutical & Healthcare. “The CEIV Pharma cold chain certification program ensures integrity at every step of the supply chain, including temperature cargo handling and operations for temperature sensitive cargo.”

CEIV Pharma certification is a series of processes including on-site assessment, implementation planning, training, and validation. The programme focuses on equipment requirements, adequate storage facilities, efficient and effective pharmaceutical handling procedures and raising internal pharmaceutical handling know-how.

Brussels Airport is the first CEIV pharma certified community in this programme, and administrators hope to pave the way for other airports to follow the same standardised, sanitary and secure procedures.

“Brussels Airport is aiming to strengthen its position as a leading gateway for the handling and transportation of pharmaceutical freight in Europe,” said Steven Polmans, head of cargo, Brussels Airport.

“Integrity is everything in pharmaceutical handling, and UTi is excited to be part of Brussels Airport’s distinguished certified community,” Abbate added. “Pharma is one of the fastest growing air cargo segments, and we look forward with great anticipation to delivering a new level of pharma supply chain excellence to our clients.”