Press release
Dachser’s Shanghai team received the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma) certification from IATA in March, including its branch at Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG).
With this certification, Dachser Shanghai joins a very close circle of few logistics companies in the region to be recognised by IATA for the transport of temperature-controlled and time-sensitive products. The CEIV Pharma certificate ensures that infrastructure, equipment, operations, and personnel are in full compliance with the standards and regulations expected by pharmaceutical manufacturers.
“A resilient and reliable logistics network for Life Science and Healthcare (LSH) products has proven critical in light of current events,” said Yves Larquemin, Managing Director for Air & Sea Logistics – Far East North. “The professionalism and hard work put in by our colleagues to achieve certification by IATA will allow Dachser to play our part in the LSH industry.”
Amidst additional challenges caused by the global pandemic, the logistics service provider said the accreditation marks the finalisation of a project of extensive preparation, complex procedures and detailed auditing.
Remote auditing process
The usual procedure of IATA sending an independent validator to the company’s office for assessment and audit was not feasible due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, Dachser noted. In an unprecedented and unique move, IATA went with a digital solution for the audit process, which was facilitated by Dachser’s already mature digital logistics systems.
Whilst the company recorded video footage in advance to demonstrate its cargo management process, during the live audit sessions conducted online, Dachser utilised its digital document library, where files were stored on a shared platform in an orderly manner to address the validator’s questions with supporting documents accurately, resulting in a smooth and successful audit validation process.
Worldwide demand, domestic potential
Dachser has been expanding its LSH capabilities in its logistics network for years in response to growing global demand. The logistics service provider received its first CEIV Pharma certification in 2018 for its Frankfurt branch in Germany and by 2019 was certified for its Atlanta branch in the United States and two Indian branches in Mumbai and Hyderabad. The Shanghai certification marks the company’s commitment on LSH and its excellence in handling such commodities.
The company added that aside from the Chinese government’s ‘Health China 2030’ directive to invest in the health and well-being of its people, the accreditation makes it well poised to fill the increased demand in transporting medical products and healthcare equipment across the region.
