Cold chain logistics
Biologics, vaccines, insulins and many orphan medicines must stay within a narrow temperature range from the manufacturer to the hospital. We choose the lane, packaging and carrier for each shipment, and the data logger file stays with the lot record.
In short
Cold chain logistics keeps temperature-sensitive medicines within their labelled storage range, usually 2 to 8 °C or frozen, during storage and transport. MedsAcross ships them in qualified passive shippers by medical courier for small lots, or in active air cargo containers for larger lots, with a data logger and documented handling under good distribution practice.
What it is
Each product's storage condition comes from its approved label. We choose packaging validated for longer than the planned transit, start a data logger at pack-out and pick a lane with as few handovers as possible.
If a logger shows an excursion, the lot is quarantined and assessed against the manufacturer's stability data before anyone decides whether it can be used.
Who it is for
- Hospitals receiving biologics and vaccines
- Importers and distributors of refrigerated products
- Sponsors and CROs shipping comparators to depots
- Programmes distributing insulins and vaccines
Who uses this service
How it works, step by step
Typical times from our process. Your quote shows the lead time for your medicine and your country.
- 1
Storage condition
At the quoteWe read the storage condition from the label and the manufacturer's shipping requirements.
- 2
Lane and packaging
At the quoteA passive shipper with validated hours for small lots, or an active container by air cargo for larger lots.
- 3
Pack-out
Dispatch dayConditioned coolants, the data logger started and recorded against the lot.
- 4
Transit
3 to 7 days courier, 7 to 15 days cargoMedical courier or air cargo with GDP handling and as few handovers as possible.
- 5
Receipt
On arrivalYou stop the logger, check the readings and confirm receipt.
- 6
Logger file
Within 1 business dayThe downloaded logger file is attached to the lot and the shipment record.
Documents needed
Your quote comes with a checklist that shows who provides each document and its status.
Temperature logger file
The full readings for the journey, linked to the lot.
Packaging qualification summary
The validated temperature range and hours of the shipper used.
Storage condition statement
The labelled storage range for the product.
Airway bill with handling instructions
Temperature and handling codes for the carrier.
Insurance certificate
For CIP and DDP shipments, all-risk cover including temperature excursions.
Legal route notes
Rules differ by country and change over time. Each note cites a regulator or a published legal analysis. Your local regulatory adviser confirms the route for your case.
Passive shippers are limited by their validated hours, which sets the longest transit a cold-chain lane can take.
Air India Cargo's pharma product holds shipments between −20 and +20 °C.
Source: Air India Cargo, pharma
IAG Cargo's Constant Climate product holds shipments between −20 and +25 °C.
Source: IAG Cargo, Constant Climate
Medical couriers such as DHL Medical Express clear customs themselves for small room-temperature shipments.
Source: DHL, health logistics
The EU guidelines on good distribution practice set standards for storing and transporting medicines, including temperature control and records.
Source: EU guidelines on good distribution practice of medicinal products (2013/C 343/01)
Incoterms rules published by the International Chamber of Commerce define where risk passes from seller to buyer, for example under CIP, DAP and DDP.
Check your country
Each import guide lists the regulator, the legal routes, the documents and typical approval times.
Questions and answers
Who carries the risk during transit?
It depends on the Incoterm on your quote. Under CIP, risk passes when the goods are handed to the first carrier and we insure the shipment. Under DDP we carry the risk until the goods are delivered, cleared for import, at the named place.
What happens if there is a temperature excursion?
The lot is quarantined and assessed against the manufacturer's stability data. CIP and DDP quotes include all-risk cargo insurance that covers temperature excursions.
Can you ship frozen products?
Yes, where a qualified shipper or active container for the required range is available on your lane. We confirm this at the quote stage.
Plan a cold-chain shipment
Tell us the product, quantity and destination. We propose the lane, the packaging and the lead time.