THE EUROPEAN FINE CHEMICALS GROUP LAUNCHES ITS 'VOLUNTARY GUIDELINES FOR FINE CHEMICAL MANUFACTURERS' AT CHEMSPEC EUROPE IN MUNICH - Press Release

The European Fine Chemicals Group (EFCG) used its first Summer Party held on the evening of 17th June in Munich, to launch its new "Voluntary Guidelines for ISO-regulated Fine Chemical Manufacturers" to 150 guests from the fine and speciality chemicals sector attending the Chemspec Europe exhibition. (see pdf)

The Voluntary Guidelines were originally developed by the Agrochemical Intermediates' Manufacturers in Europe (AIME) -a sub-section of EFCG - as a proposed set of minimum requirements for global manufacturers of agrochemical intermediates and active ingredients. AIME chairman, Dr Uwe Brunk of Saltigo, who gave the launch presentation, said that all EFCG's non-GMP manufacturers have since agreed to adopt them.

EUROPEAN FINE CHEMICALS GROUP AND IPEC EUROPE JOIN FORCES TO DEVELOP A PHARMACEUTICAL EXCIPIENT CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME - Press Release
 
The European Fine Chemicals Group (EFCG) and IPEC Europe are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding that will lead to close collaboration of the two associations on matters relating to pharmaceutical excipients.

Initially the two associations will work on the development of a certification programme for manufacturers and distributors of pharmaceutical excipients, which will cover both Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Distribution Practices (GDP).

Recently, several incidents concerning both pharmaceutical excipients and active pharmaceutical ingredients have highlighted the serious risk to patients that arises when the quality of pharmaceutical raw materials has been compromised. In the absence of any regulations that require GMP and GDP for excipients, there is a critical need for the excipient industry to demonstrate a commitment to the delivery of high quality products throughout manufacture and distribution.

The excipient certification programme will be developed in conjunction with other trade associations worldwide who have a similar interest in pharmaceutical excipients. As a result, a truly international certification programme will be made available.