Standard Operating Procedure for Transporting Rejected Raw Materials from Quarantine to Disposal Area
Department | Quality Assurance / Warehouse / Quality Control |
---|---|
SOP No. | SOP/RM/092/2025 |
Supersedes | SOP/RM/092/2022 |
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) describes the process for transporting rejected raw materials from the quarantine area to the designated disposal area. The procedure ensures that rejected materials are handled, transported, and disposed of in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and environmental regulations.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all rejected raw materials, including Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients, solvents, and packaging materials, stored in quarantine and designated for disposal.
3. Responsibilities
- Warehouse Personnel: Label, secure, and transport rejected materials following approved protocols.
- Quality Assurance (QA): Approve the rejection, oversee the transportation process, and ensure documentation is complete.
- Quality Control (QC): Provide testing results leading to the rejection of materials and support the transportation process if required.
4. Accountability
The QA Manager is accountable for ensuring that rejected materials are transported and disposed of in compliance with regulatory and environmental guidelines. The Warehouse Manager
5. Procedure
5.1 Identification and Documentation of Rejected Materials
- Approval of Rejection:
- QA reviews QC test results and documentation before approving the rejection of materials.
- The Material Rejection Authorization Form (Annexure-1) must be completed and signed by QA.
- Labeling of Rejected Materials:
- Warehouse personnel must label rejected materials with:
- “REJECTED” tag in red
- Material Name and Batch/Lot Number
- Reason for Rejection
- Date of Rejection
- Ensure all labels are clear, legible, and securely attached to the material containers.
- Warehouse personnel must label rejected materials with:
5.2 Preparation for Transportation
- Securing Rejected Materials:
- Ensure all containers are sealed, intact, and free from leaks or damage before transportation.
- For hazardous materials, follow safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and proper containment measures.
- Transport Authorization:
- Complete the Rejected Material Transport Authorization Form (Annexure-2) and obtain signatures from the QA Manager and Warehouse Manager.
5.3 Transporting Rejected Materials
- Designated Disposal Route:
- Transport rejected materials using the designated route from the quarantine area to the disposal area.
- Ensure the route is free from obstructions and complies with safety regulations.
- Use of Appropriate Equipment:
- Use forklifts, trolleys, or other appropriate equipment to move rejected materials safely.
- Ensure all equipment is in good working condition and suitable for transporting the specific material type.
5.4 Documentation and Record-Keeping
- Transport Logs:
- Record all transportation activities in the Rejected Material Transport Log (Annexure-3), including:
- Date and Time of Transport
- Material Name and Batch/Lot Number
- Transport Personnel
- Receiving Personnel at Disposal Area
- Record all transportation activities in the Rejected Material Transport Log (Annexure-3), including:
- Final Disposal Documentation:
- Complete the Rejected Material Disposal Record (Annexure-4) once materials have been transported and accepted in the disposal area.
- QA must verify and sign off on the disposal records.
5.5 Handling Special Categories of Rejected Materials
- Hazardous Materials:
- Follow environmental and safety regulations for the handling and disposal of hazardous materials.
- Ensure the use of appropriate PPE and containment measures during transportation.
- Temperature-Sensitive Materials:
- Maintain cold chain requirements for temperature-sensitive rejected materials until final disposal.
- Record temperature data in the Temperature Monitoring Log (Annexure-5).
5.6 Training and Compliance Monitoring
- Personnel Training:
- All personnel involved in the transportation of rejected materials must be trained in handling procedures and safety protocols.
- Document training sessions in the Training Log (Annexure-6).
- Compliance Monitoring:
- QA conducts periodic audits to ensure compliance with SOPs and regulatory requirements.
- Document audit findings in the Compliance Audit Log (Annexure-7).
6. Abbreviations
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
- GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice
- QA: Quality Assurance
- QC: Quality Control
- PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
- APIs: Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
7. Documents
- Material Rejection Authorization Form (Annexure-1)
- Rejected Material Transport Authorization Form (Annexure-2)
- Rejected Material Transport Log (Annexure-3)
- Rejected Material Disposal Record (Annexure-4)
- Temperature Monitoring Log (Annexure-5)
- Training Log (Annexure-6)
- Compliance Audit Log (Annexure-7)
8. References
- 21 CFR Part 211 – Current Good Manufacturing Practice for Finished Pharmaceuticals
- ICH Q7 – Good Manufacturing Practice for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients
- WHO GMP Guidelines for Storage and Disposal of Pharmaceuticals
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
---|---|---|---|
Signature | |||
Date | |||
Name | |||
Designation | |||
Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Material Rejection Authorization Form
Date | Material Name | Batch Number | Reason for Rejection | Approved By |
---|---|---|---|---|
01/02/2025 | API-X | API-X-2025-001 | Failed Purity Test | Anjali Mehta |
Annexure-2: Rejected Material Transport Authorization Form
Date | Material Name | Batch Number | Transported By | Approved By (QA) |
---|---|---|---|---|
02/02/2025 | API-X | API-X-2025-001 | Ravi Kumar | Anjali Mehta |
Annexure-3: Rejected Material Transport Log
Date | Material Name | Batch Number | Transported By | Received By (Disposal) |
---|---|---|---|---|
02/02/2025 | API-X | API-X-2025-001 | Ravi Kumar | Ajay Singh |
Annexure-4: Rejected Material Disposal Record
Date | Material Name | Batch Number | Disposed By | Verified By (QA) |
---|---|---|---|---|
03/02/2025 | API-X | API-X-2025-001 | Disposal Team | Anjali Mehta |
Annexure-5: Temperature Monitoring Log
Date | Material Name | Batch Number | Temperature Recorded | Recorded By |
---|---|---|---|---|
02/02/2025 | Solvent-Y | SLV-Y-2025-002 | 5°C | Sunita Sharma |
Annexure-6: Training Log
Date | Training Topic | Trainer | Attendee Name | Signature |
---|---|---|---|---|
05/02/2025 | Handling and Transporting Rejected Materials | QA Manager | Ravi Kumar |
Annexure-7: Compliance Audit Log
Date | Audit Type | Findings | Corrective Actions | Audited By |
---|---|---|---|---|
06/02/2025 | Transport Compliance Audit | Minor Labeling Errors Found | Updated Labeling Procedures | Anjali Mehta |
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 | Updated Transport and Disposal Procedures | Regulatory Compliance | QA Head |