SDV is a leader in the global supply chain management of pharmaceutical products, a sector that has seen heightened requirements in the area of sanitary controls. Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines set out the quality system to be implemented in order to meet rigorous cold chain management requirements.
SDV unveiled its plan to become the first company in the international transport and logistics industry to implement certified worldwide locations under the IATA CEIV Pharma certification program.  The Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Pharma certification program aims to become the globally recognized standard for the handling of pharmaceutical cargo across the following areas: infrastructure improvement, staff training levels and standards of control worldwide.  “Air freight handlers today require specific capabilities to manage pharmaceutical products compared to products from other type of industries. The CEIV Pharma program aims to implement a global standard across the air cargo supply chain by addressing the challenges of each stakeholder, including the latest achievements in pharmaceutical product transportation. This program is proof that the air cargo industry is taking the challenges and concerns of the pharma shippers seriously to ensure that pharmaceutical products get to their destination swiftly and safely”, says Glyn Hughes, Head of Cargo at IATA. SDV provides end-to-end control of the pharmaceutical supply chain. With a high regard for rigorous cold chain management, it was no surprise that SDV was part of the initial wave of eleven companies participating in the 2014 BRUcargo pharma certification program. Based on the good feedback and benefits observed from the community approach at Brussels airport, SDV then decided to certify 16 air stations in Europe, Asia, North America and South Africa.  With a strong history of strict enforcement of cargo safety and security rules to ensure a product’s integrity, SDV understands the importance of the CEIV pharma certification. “The certification will help us demonstrate to clients, and prospects, SDV’s strong expertise in handling pharmaceutical products, especially through our quality management system and the rigorous training of our commercial and operational teams. It will increase security across major trade lanes from origin to destination and optimize the cold chain flow” says Brice Bellin, SDV Europe Healthcare Director. SDV supports the CEIV Pharma Certification program and will continue to work closely with IATA and its industry working group, the Time and Temperature Task Force, to improve, develop, promote and expand the IATA standards and the CEIV Pharma program.