Introduction

The Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S) was established in 1995 as an extension to the Pharmaceutical Inspection Convention (PIC) of 1970.

PIC/S Committee meeting in Kiev (Ukraine), 2012

Welcome to the PIC/S website! 

The Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S) is a non-binding, informal co-operative arrangement between Regulatory Authorities in the field of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) of medicinal products for human or veterinary use. It is open to any Authority having a comparable GMP inspection system. PIC/S presently comprises 56 Participating Authorities coming from all over the world (Europe, Africa, America, Asia and Australasia).

PIC/S aims at harmonising inspection procedures worldwide by developing common standards in the field of GMP and by providing training opportunities to Inspectors. It also aims at facilitating co-operation and networking between competent authorities, regional and international organisations, thus increasing mutual confidence. This is reflected in PIC/S’ mission which is to lead the international development, implementation and maintenance of harmonised GMP standards and quality systems of inspectorates in the field of medicinal products.

This is to be achieved by developing and promoting harmonised GMP standards and guidance documents; training competent authorities, in particular Inspectors; assessing (and reassessing) inspectorates and facilitating the co-operation and networking for competent authorities and international organisations.

The current website provides information on

-          PIC/S in general (see “About”);

-          Members (the “PIC/S Participating Authorities”);

-          Publications (Guides, guidance documents, etc.);

-          Events (forthcoming events organised by PIC/S);

-          Activities of PIC/S (training, harmonisation of GMDP, compliance, etc.);

-          Accession to PIC/S;

-          PIA Academy - the PIC/S Inspectorates’ Academy.

For persons, who are unfamiliar with PIC/S, we strongly recommend that they first read the PIC/S information brochure (see below "Related documents", which provides a short, general overview on PIC/S.

For general enquiries, which are not addressed in the Frequently Asked Questions, you are welcome to contact the PIC/S Secretariat.