Recognizing Excellence in the U.S. Supply Chain
The GDP Accreditation Program recognizes organizations that demonstrate compliance with internationally recognized Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standards. Administered by HDA in collaboration with ASC Associates Ltd., the program provides a structured pathway for training, organizational assessment and formal accreditation within the pharmaceutical supply chain.
GDP is an important standard of processes that ensure the quality and integrity of medical products within the pharmaceutical supply chain. The GDP Accreditation Program seeks to provide pharmaceutical supply chain trading partners, primarily those providing vendor services — such as transportation, warehousing, freight-forwarding, customs brokerage, 3PL and cargo insurance — the ability to demonstrate familiarization and adherence to recognized GDP operational and training criteria. Complying with these standards can help mitigate distribution deviations.
Testimonials
“The HDA GDP Accreditation Program has been an excellent starting point for D-Trans as we continue strengthening our capabilities in healthcare logistics. It provides a clear framework for understanding the expectations placed on healthcare transport operators, and it has set us on the right track as we enhance our internal processes, policies, and quality standards. The materials and guidance have been instrumental in supporting our ongoing commitment to compliant, secure and high-performing healthcare transportation.”
— Vitaliy Zadoynov, Chief Commercial Officer, D-Trans LLC
“Patient safety is at the center of everything we do. GDP accreditation tells our customers that we treat pharmaceutical products and blood plasma with the care they deserve — every step of the way. For our customers, GDP accreditation means confidence that temperature-sensitive, lifesaving shipments are continuously monitored, handled by trained professionals and delivered in full regulatory compliance. It’s more than a certification — it’s our commitment to reliability, quality and the patients who ultimately depend on every shipment we transport.”
— Ken Wilson, Director of Quality/EHS, Boyle Transportation
GDP Resource Library
Access to the GDP Resource Library is available to participating and accredited organizations. Users can login below using their HDA credentials.
Process for Earning GDP Accreditation
Training Requirements
To pursue GDP Accreditation, participating organizations must complete the required training levels. Training is designed to build individual and organizational capability prior to formal assessment.
Level 1 – GDP Introductory Training
Format: 1 Hour | Online | Self-Paced (Available 24/7)
This independent e-learning module provides logistics and operations personnel with a foundational understanding of Good Distribution Practice (GDP). The course introduces core GDP principles across the healthcare supply chain, including pharmaceutical materials, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), finished pharmaceutical products, and medical devices and diagnostics.
Level 2 – GDP Awareness Training
Format: 6 Hours | Live Virtual | Delivered Over Two Days (Two 3-Hour Sessions)
This instructor-led virtual training is appropriate for logistics, operations and business development professionals. The program provides a working knowledge of global regulatory frameworks, EU and PIC/S GDP guidelines, risk assessment methodology, supply chain security, falsified medicines prevention and temperature control and monitoring.
Level 3 – GDP Responsible Person Training
Format: 10–12 Hours | In Person | Delivered Over Two Days
This intensive training program is designed for individuals who serve as the primary GDP compliance lead within their organization. The course provides a detailed review of all GDP guideline chapters and prepares participants to ensure medicinal products are controlled, stored and transported in a compliant manner, interpret regulatory requirements and oversee compliant operational systems.
Minimum Participation Requirement
At least two individuals from each participating organization must complete all three training levels before the accreditation assessment.
Training Builds Capability. Accreditation Validates Capability.
Training Component
The training component of the GDP Program is developmental. Its purpose is to strengthen organizational familiarity and individual competency in regulatory compliance and operational best practices. Completion of training alone does not confer formal accreditation status.
Accreditation Component
Accreditation provides a formal, evidence-based assessment of the organization’s overall capability against defined GDP standards. Successful accreditation provides independent verification and formal recognition of organizational processes and controls.
Certification
GDP Accreditation is valid for two years from the date of issuance. Renewal requires completion of refresher training and a subsequent reassessment to confirm continued compliance with GDP standards.
Program Administrators
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Charles Forsaith
Vice President, PCSC
Email: cforsaith@hda.org
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Henry Moran
Chief Operating Officer
Email: henrymoran@ascassociates.co.uk