Setting new standards for healthcare: DB Schenker secures GDP certification for more than 150 stations

DB Schenker continues to solidify its commitment to excellence and regulatory compliance in pharmaceutical supply chains by achieving certifications in accordance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standards for 157 of its stations. The most important markets for the global trade of medical goods, spanning the Americas, Europe and Asia, are now covered within the DB SCHENKER life+ product portfolio. Stations here refer to operational units at DB Schenker.

By achieving this milestone, DB Schenker can now cover 80% of the world's healthcare flows with their recent certificates, making it one of the world’s largest GDP-compliant logistics networks. DB Schenker can now even better meet the evolving needs of the global pharmaceutical industry.

Healthcare is a highly regulated industry governed by various guidelines, making GDP compliance critical. With Good Distribution Practice, DB Schenker follows a quality guideline that ensures that the integrity and quality of pharmaceutical products is maintained throughout the entire supply chain process. DB Schenker’s internal Global Healthcare Quality Management System addresses the Good Distribution Practices for medicinal products for human and veterinary use and related active substances set out by the European Union (EU) and the World Health Organization (WHO). DB Schenker ensures these requirements are complied with through the internal Directive Healthcare Quality Management, which forms the basis of DB SCHENKER life+.

Veronique Dameme, Head of Global Vertical Market Healthcare at DB Schenker: “At the end of every healthcare supply chain there is a patient. That’s why we ensure that medical products are stored and distributed in accordance with the highest standards. The successful GDP certification of our facilities marks a significant milestone on our roadmap and shows our ongoing pursuit of excellence in pharmaceutical logistics.”

When DB Schenker started the implementation process for certification, the first goal was to define a global standard valid for all transport modes. This made the GDP certificate suitable. The comprehensive certification ensures that the process, infrastructure, and staffing comply with the stringent requirements of the pharmaceutical industry, using this ideal approach across all business units. After a station is awarded certification following successful completion of an internal certification process, a risk-based re-audit is performed based on continuously measured KPIs. This is repeated at least every 3 years to ensure the highest quality is maintained.

DB Schenker continuously analyzes its customers' need for additional locations. Within the next twelve months, the global logistics service provider plans to certify over 180 of its stations to be able to organize and manage GDP-compliant logistics.