New MHRA Blog Post: Supplying Medicines to Ships, Aircraft and Oil Platforms

The latest blog post from the UK MHRA Inspectorate, published on 04 June 2025 and titled “A Voyage in Good Distribution Practice (GDP): The Aviation and Marine Sectors”, explores the challenges of supplying medicines to aircraft, ships, and oil platforms, locations that fall outside the usual scope of a Wholesale Dealer’s Licence (WDA(H)).

Dr Christopher Watson from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) outlines how organisations must ensure full compliance with GDP requirements, especially when qualifying non-traditional customers such as aircrafts or ships. The Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (Schedule 17) provide specific exemptions for these cases, but require thorough documentation within the Quality Management System (QMS).

Referencing relevant UK and EU regulations, including Regulation (EU) No. 965/2012 and the latest Ship Captain’s Medical Guide, the post covers key aspects such as:

• Qualification requirements for airborne and marine supply points
• Delivery constraints related to airside and port facilities
• Licensing obligations, including WDA, MIA, and Controlled Drugs Licences
• Repackaging restrictions, requiring QP involvement when altering kits
• Export controls and issues tied to vessel flags
• Recall logistics in mobile and remote environments
• Vigilance against unusual sales patterns

It is important to note that the blog content is closely aligned with UK-specific legislation. While certain aspects are based on retained EU law, many of the regulatory provisions originate from national legislation and therefore differ across countries.

The MHRA encourages stakeholders to review the full blog and associated guidance documents, including detailed information on licence requirements for medical kits on UK ships and first-aid kits for airlines.

You cab access the full MHRA blog post here.