SOP for Receiving and Handling Temperature-Sensitive Pharmaceutical Raw Materials – V 2.0
Standard Operating Procedure for Receiving and Handling Temperature-Sensitive Pharmaceutical Raw Materials
Department |
Warehouse / Quality Assurance / Quality Control / Procurement |
SOP No. |
SOP/RM/056/2025 |
Supersedes |
SOP/RM/056/2022 |
Page No. |
Page 1 of 15 |
Issue Date |
01/02/2025 |
Effective Date |
05/02/2025 |
Review Date |
01/02/2026 |
1. Purpose
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlines the procedure for receiving and handling temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical raw materials. It ensures that materials are maintained within specified temperature ranges during receipt and storage, preserving their integrity and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical raw materials received at the facility, including Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients, and other raw materials that require controlled temperature conditions. It covers procedures for transportation verification, inspection, documentation, and handling of materials requiring refrigeration, freezing, or specific ambient conditions.
3. Responsibilities
- Warehouse Personnel: Inspect and verify temperature conditions upon receipt, handle materials as per specified requirements, and ensure proper documentation.
- Quality Assurance (QA): Review temperature compliance documentation, approve or reject materials based on temperature integrity.
- Quality Control (QC): Conduct additional testing if temperature deviations are detected to assess material quality.
- Procurement Department: Ensure suppliers comply with transportation and temperature control requirements
and resolve discrepancies.
4. Accountability
The Warehouse Manager is responsible for ensuring that temperature-sensitive materials are received and handled according to specified requirements. The QA Manager holds authority to approve or reject materials based on temperature integrity, while the Procurement Manager ensures supplier compliance with temperature specifications. The QC Manager evaluates material quality if deviations occur.
5. Procedure
5.1 Pre-Receipt Preparations
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Supplier Requirements:
- Procurement ensures that suppliers provide transportation and temperature data, including:
- Temperature monitoring devices (e.g., data loggers).
- Temperature conditions during storage and transit.
- Suppliers must confirm that materials have been transported under specified conditions.
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Warehouse Preparations:
- Ensure availability of temperature-controlled storage areas (e.g., refrigerators, freezers).
- Verify that temperature monitoring equipment is calibrated and functional.
5.2 Receipt of Temperature-Sensitive Materials
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Initial Inspection:
- Upon arrival, verify the condition of transportation containers and packaging for temperature-sensitive materials.
- Ensure packaging is intact and tamper-evident seals are in place.
- Document initial inspection findings in the Temperature-Sensitive Material Receipt Log (Annexure-1).
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Temperature Verification:
- Review temperature monitoring devices (e.g., data loggers) to ensure materials were transported within specified temperature ranges.
- Record temperature data in the Temperature Compliance Log (Annexure-2).
5.3 Handling of Temperature-Sensitive Materials
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Immediate Transfer to Storage:
- Immediately transfer temperature-sensitive materials to the designated temperature-controlled storage area.
- Ensure minimal exposure to ambient temperatures during transfer.
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Storage Conditions:
- Ensure materials are stored under specified conditions (e.g., 2-8°C, -20°C, or ambient controlled).
- Monitor and record storage conditions regularly in the Storage Temperature Log (Annexure-3).
5.4 Handling Temperature Deviations
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Identification of Deviations:
- If temperature deviations are detected, immediately segregate materials and label them as “UNDER REVIEW.”
- Document deviations in the Temperature Deviation Report (Annexure-4).
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QA Review and Corrective Actions:
- QA reviews temperature deviation reports and determines the impact on material integrity.
- QC may be instructed to perform additional testing to assess material quality.
- Final disposition is recorded in the Material Disposition Log (Annexure-5).
5.5 Supplier Communication and Resolution
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Supplier Notification:
- Procurement contacts the supplier regarding any temperature deviations or handling issues.
- Request corrective actions, such as improved packaging, transportation methods, or material replacement.
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Corrective Action Documentation:
- Document supplier responses and corrective actions in the Corrective Action Log (Annexure-6).
6. Abbreviations
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
- GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice
- API: Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient
- QA: Quality Assurance
- QC: Quality Control
7. Documents
- Temperature-Sensitive Material Receipt Log (Annexure-1)
- Temperature Compliance Log (Annexure-2)
- Storage Temperature Log (Annexure-3)
- Temperature Deviation Report (Annexure-4)
- Material Disposition Log (Annexure-5)
- Corrective Action Log (Annexure-6)
8. References
- 21 CFR Part 211 – Current Good Manufacturing Practice for Finished Pharmaceuticals
- ICH Q7 – Good Manufacturing Practice for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
- EU Guidelines on Good Distribution Practices (GDP)
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
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Prepared By |
Checked By |
Approved By |
Signature |
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Name |
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Designation |
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11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Temperature-Sensitive Material Receipt Log
Date |
Material Name |
Batch Number |
Required Temperature (°C) |
Received Temperature (°C) |
Packaging Condition |
Verified By |
Remarks |
01/02/2025 |
API-X |
X-2025-001 |
2-8°C |
4°C |
Intact |
John Doe |
Compliant |
01/02/2025 |
Excipient-Y |
Y-2025-002 |
15-25°C |
30°C |
Intact |
Jane Smith |
Temperature Deviation Noted |
Annexure-2: Temperature Compliance Log
Date |
Material Name |
Batch Number |
Transport Temperature Data |
Specified Range |
Verified By |
Remarks |
01/02/2025 |
API-X |
X-2025-001 |
Maintained 4°C |
2-8°C |
John Doe |
Compliant |
Annexure-3: Storage Temperature Log
Date |
Material Name |
Batch Number |
Required Storage Temp (°C) |
Recorded Temp (°C) |
Checked By |
01/02/2025 |
API-X |
X-2025-001 |
2-8°C |
5°C |
John Doe |
Revision History:
Revision Date |
Revision No. |
Revision Details |
Reason for Revision |
Approved By |
01/01/2024 |
1.0 |
Initial Version |
New SOP |
QA Head |
01/02/2025 |
2.0 |
Added Procedures for Handling Temperature Deviations |
Standardization |
QA Head |