Storing medicines is different from storing any other product. A mistake here isn't only a financial loss; it can affect patient safety. That's why pharmaceutical warehouses in the Kingdom are overseen by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and follow principles known as Good Storage Practices (GSP).
This article covers the main things a pharmaceutical warehouse should have, so you know what to ask before choosing a storage partner.
1. Licensing
The first question: is the warehouse licensed by the SFDA to store pharmaceutical products? Ask to see the license and confirm it is valid and covers your products.
2. Temperature and humidity control
Every medicine has a storage range set by its manufacturer. The warehouse must keep that range, monitor it continuously and document it in records you can review. This usually includes temperature mapping to make sure there are no hot spots inside the warehouse.
3. Calibrated instruments
An inaccurate sensor gives false confidence. Temperature monitoring devices should be calibrated regularly, with records.
4. Inventory managed by expiry date
Pharmaceutical storage follows FEFO: first expired, first out. Every product needs clear tracking of its batch number and expiry date.
5. Segregation and organization
Separate areas for newly received goods awaiting inspection, released stock ready to ship, returns, and rejected or expired products, so they never mix.
6. Recall readiness
If a batch has to be recalled, the warehouse must know right away where it is, how much is left and where the rest was shipped.
7. Written procedures and trained staff
Every step from receiving to shipping has a written procedure, staff are trained on it, and there are records to prove it.
8. Transport under the same conditions
Responsibility for a medicine doesn't end at the warehouse door. Transport and delivery must keep the same temperature range.
Questions to ask before signing with a pharmaceutical warehouse
- Is the warehouse SFDA-licensed?
- How is temperature monitored, and how can I see the records?
- What happens when the temperature goes out of range?
- Is there backup power?
- How are expiry dates and batch numbers managed?
- Is delivery temperature-controlled and monitored?
Safe Choice Logistics for pharmaceutical storage
Safe Choice Logistics is an SFDA-certified logistics company trusted by clients in the pharmaceutical sector to store and deliver their products at controlled temperatures. Talk to our team to learn more.