Regulations on Pharmaceutical Distribution in the UK

Updated on August 10, 2020

When running a business distribution of products to the correct wholesalers could make or break the sales of a product. But how can you ensure you have the licencing that you need, particularly when it comes to medical products. In this article, we will be providing you with insight into the regulation and licencing you need for distribution within the UK. 

Pre-Conditions To Enable Effective Distribution 

Before you can begin to choose your pharmaceutical distribution UK service, it is important to ensure that you are meeting all the regulations that are needed for effective distribution. With several preconditions such as the need for a distribution licence from a centralised application applied for by the European Medicines Agency. It is important to note that those with a manufacturing licence can only sell their products to those with these distribution licences and not directly to the customer. 

Drug Licensing For The Ability to Sell In The UK 

When it comes to licencing for the distribution and selling of medication and other products in the UK, it is up to the competent committee to provide you access to the licencing issues. For those that are outside of the UK, a licence can be obtained by the European Medicines Agency. This is applicable for a wide range of medication and products to enable the distribution to wholesalers and the sale of the products. Alternatively, medication and products within the UK need to be licenced by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency this will enable you to sell products correctly. 

Regulations For Electronic Prescriptions

With the distribution of medicine slowly becoming automated through an electronic system, there has been a wave of new electronic prescriptions on the market. However, sending prescriptions online need to have an electronic signature from a trained physician before they can be dispatched. These medication services are monitored by the Health and Social Care Information Centre and are required to follow strict guidelines to ensure that they are working within the specific guidelines. This is crucial as this will ensure you are able to provide the service with ease. 

Compliance With The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency 

The final regulation that you need to comply with the is Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency as they are responsible for overseeing distribution activity. They are responsible for the regulation as well as the overseeing of law enforcement when it comes to the distribution of these products. In addition, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency are also responsible for the supervision of licences and have the power to revoke or suspend licences. In addition to this, they also provide you with the right to appeal any licences and act as the go-to for distributors inside the UK. 

With this in mind, there are several aspects you need to consider when applying for distribution licences within the UK. Whether you are a small company looking to apply for a licence to distribute PPE or you are a manufacturer looking to distribute medication throughout the UK, this is an effective way to get the licencing that you need. 

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.