A documented supplier approval process is a core requirement of Good Distribution Practice (GDP).

Wholesale distributors must demonstrate that medicinal products are sourced only from authorised, verified suppliers — with documented due diligence, risk assessment, and approval decisions.

During inspection, regulators such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency will expect to see a structured and defensible supplier qualification process.

This template provides exactly that.


What This Template Helps You Do

  • Document supplier authorisation checks (WDA(H), GDP status)
  • Record inspection history and regulatory status
  • Assess quality systems and temperature controls
  • Evaluate transport and anti-falsification measures
  • Risk-rate suppliers (Low / Medium / High)
  • Formally approve, reject, or conditionally approve suppliers
  • Maintain periodic review records

It turns supplier approval from a basic questionnaire into a structured, regulator-facing system.


Why It Matters

Common GDP inspection findings include:

  • Incomplete supplier verification
  • No documented risk assessment
  • Lack of re-approval reviews
  • Poor audit trail of approval decisions

A clear, documented qualification framework demonstrates:

  • Risk-based thinking
  • Active Responsible Person oversight
  • Management control of the supply chain
  • Ongoing compliance monitoring

Suitable For

  • WDA(H) licence holders
  • Responsible Persons (RP)
  • QA & compliance managers
  • Start-up wholesale distributors
  • Organisations preparing for MHRA inspection

This editable Word template is designed to be implemented immediately and adapted to your licensed activities.