{"id":8415,"date":"2021-10-29T09:21:16","date_gmt":"2021-10-29T09:21:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/slcontrols.com\/how-good-distribution-practice-gdp-differs-from-good-manufacturing-practice-gmp\/"},"modified":"2022-09-07T11:54:27","modified_gmt":"2022-09-07T11:54:27","slug":"how-good-distribution-practice-gdp-differs-from-good-manufacturing-practice-gmp","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slcontrols.k8s-stg1-global.sq1.io\/en\/how-good-distribution-practice-gdp-differs-from-good-manufacturing-practice-gmp\/","title":{"rendered":"How Good Distribution Practice (GDP) differs from Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Good distribution practice (GDP) and good manufacturing practice (GMP) are quality standards and guidelines that have the same ultimate objective \u2013 to ensure medical device and pharmaceutical products are safe, meet their intended use, and comply with regulations.<\/p>\n

GMP focuses on manufacturing processes, while GDP covers distribution activities. There are crossovers between both manufacturing and distribution, however. So, what are the main differences between GDP and GMP?<\/p>\n

Definitions<\/h2>\n

To understand the key differences and how they impact operations, let\u2019s first look at the definitions of GMP and GDP.<\/p>\n

What is Good Manufacturing Practice?<\/h3>\n

Good manufacturing practice involves consistently producing products that meet quality standards. This requires the implementation of a system where the aim is to minimize risks, from incorrect labeling of products to contamination to incorrect ingredients and everything in between. GMP systems cover all parts of the production process, from raw materials through to the production of the finished product.<\/p>\n

What is Good Distribution Practice?<\/h3>\n

Good distribution practice involves maintaining the quality and integrity of products through all stages of the supply chain. It sets out minimum standards to ensure medical device and pharmaceutical products comply with regulations. GDP applies to warehousing, storage, and transportation, and it covers everything from storing and transporting products under the right conditions. Doing so, minimizes the risk of product degradation, ensuring product integrity at the correct destination on time.<\/p>\n

Unique Aspects of GDP<\/h2>\n

There are parts of GDP that are unique, so they don\u2019t apply to GMP guidance and standards. Those unique parts of GDP include guidance on transportation covering aspects such as temperature control, vehicle controls, and conducting risk assessments on transport routes. Guidance on brokers is also unique to GDP, i.e., guidance on those who facilitate transactions in the supply chain without ever handling the product.<\/p>\n

Areas of Minimal Difference<\/h2>\n

While there are sections of guidance that are unique to GDP, there are also areas where there is minimal, if any, difference between GDP and GMP. These include:<\/p>\n