IJS Global GEFCO Netherlands (NL) has been awarded a Good Distribution Practice (GDP) certificate by the Dutch Ministry of Health, with immediate effect.
The internationally-recognised GDP certification plays a key role in assuring the quality and integrity of the transport and distribution of Medicinal Products for Human Use and focuses on the use of specialised equipment, well-established pharmaceutical working procedures, and continuously improving pharma handling expertise.
“This is a prestigious certificate that is only granted to freight forwarders who can demonstrate that storage and distribution of medicinal products take place strictly according to GDP guidelines,” said Sarina Walidin, compliance manager, IJS Global GEFCO.
“This certificate proves that we comply with European Union guidelines and can therefore be considered a very reliable and quality-driven business partner for handling medicinal products.”
In 2014, IJS Global GEFCO NL received its Wholesale Distribution Authorisation (WDA), which enables the company to store medicinal products.
The logistics specialist is also involved in the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma) project, which aims to help the entire air cargo supply chain achieve pharmaceutical handling excellence.
Along with the CEIV project, both certifications will allow IJS Global GEFCO NL to expand its reach in the Life Sciences and Healthcare industry. Last year IJS Global GEFCO opened a 24-hour Life Sciences and Healthcare warehouse facility at Frankfurt Airport in Germany.
IJS Global GEFCO also recently opened a new temperature controlled facility at Heathrow Airport in London, UK, as part of ongoing plans to strengthen its Life Sciences and Healthcare offering.
The GDP certificate shows that the company fulfils the requirements of the European Commission ‘Guidelines on Good Distribution Practice of Medicinal Products for Human Use’ and of World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
