CEIV Pharma

Putting pharmaceuticals back in the air.

A concentrated effort to improve the level of competency as well as operational and technical prepared​ness is urgently required to stop the alarming decline of air cargo’s market share of global pharmaceutical product transport.

The industry identified a need to build a network of certified pharmaceutical trade lanes that meet consistent standards and assure product integrity.

As a result, IATA has taken a leading role in supporting the air transport indus​try to comply with pharmaceutical manufacturers’ requirements.

Setting new standards

Working alongside aviation industry stakeholders and regulators, IATA created the Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma), to help organizations and the entire air cargo supply chain to get on the right track to achieve pharmaceutical handling excellence.

CEIV Pharma addresses industry’s need for more safety, security, com​pliance and efficiency, by the creation of a globally consistent and recognized pharmaceutical product handling certification.

By establishing a common baseline from existing regulations and standards, this certification ensures international and national compliance to safeguard product integrity while addressing specific air cargo needs.

CEIV Pharma encompasses, or even supersedes, many of the existing pharmaceutical standards and guidelines such as:

IATA Temperature Control Regulations (TCR)
European Union Good Distribution Practices (EU GDP)
World Health Organization Annex 5 (pdf)
United States Pharmacopeia Standards

An industry-wide standard

Transporting and handling pharmaceuticals present both challenges and opportunities for all cold chain industry participants.

The business relies on air transport for its speed, consistency and efficiency in deliverin​g high-value, time-sensitive, temperature-controlled products.

However, aviation industry stakeholders must overcome big challenges as they strive to provide the high-quality services pharmaceutical shippers expect, such as insufficient expertise, inadequate infrastructure, ill-equipped facilities and increasing regulations.

CEIV Pharma ensures that facilities, equipment, operations and staff comply with all applicable standards, regulations and guidelines expected from pharmaceutical manufacturers.

The overall goal is to elevate the industry know-how and achieve global standardization.