Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Manufacturing Inspection Checklist
API manufacturing GMP compliance is critical to finished pharmaceutical product quality. This checklist covers all key elements of ICH Q7 GMP requirements for API chemical synthesis, fermentation, and extraction facilities.
- Industry: Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences
- Frequency: Quarterly
- Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
- Role: QA Manager / Regulatory Affairs Specialist
- Total Items: 31
- Compliance: ICH Q7 - Good Manufacturing Practice for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, FDA 21 CFR Part 211 API Requirements, EU GMP Part II - Basic Requirements for API, WHO Technical Report Series No. 957 Annex 2 GMP for APIs
Starting Materials and Raw Materials
Verify starting material controls per ICH Q7.
- API starting material defined and justified with regulatory filing?
- Starting material specifications established and documented?
- Starting material testing performed or COA reviewed per approved procedures?
- Starting material suppliers qualified with audit history?
- Starting materials quarantined until released by QA?
Process Controls and Critical Parameters
Verify process controls for API synthesis or fermentation.
- Critical Process Parameters (CPPs) defined for all critical steps?
- In-process controls and tests performed at defined points?
- Reaction monitoring systems functioning and calibrated?
- Process deviations documented with impact assessment?
- Any reprocessing or reworking performed per approved procedures?
Impurity Control and Testing
Review impurity profiling and control strategy.
- API impurity profile established and qualified in registration?
- Residual solvent testing current and within ICH Q3C limits?
- Genotoxic/mutagenic impurity evaluation completed per ICH M7?
- Elemental impurity testing per ICH Q3D in place?
- API specifications include all qualified impurity limits?
Laboratory and QC
Verify analytical laboratory controls.
- Analytical methods validated per ICH Q2(R1) for identity, purity, and assay?
- Reference standards current and appropriately characterized?
- All analytical instruments calibrated and qualification current?
- OOS procedure documented and followed per FDA OOS Guidance (2006)?
- Chromatographic data systems compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 if electronic?
Packaging and Storage
Verify API packaging and storage controls.
- API container specifications established and tested?
- API stored per established temperature and humidity conditions?
- API retest date established with stability data and tracked?
- Expired or retest-due materials prevented from release?
- Shipping validation completed for temperature-sensitive APIs?
Documentation and Records
Verify API batch record and documentation compliance.
- API batch records complete per ICH Q7 Section 6?
- Certificate of Analysis issued for each batch per specifications?
- Drug Master File (DMF) or manufacturing documentation current?
- Records retained for minimum 3 years after batch expiry or retest date?
- All records compliant with GDP/ALCOA+ principles?
- Complete API inspection report prepared and distributed?
Related Pharmaceutical Life Sciences Checklists
- Pharmaceutical Cleanroom Environmental Monitoring Checklist
- Pharmaceutical Daily Manufacturing Area Inspection Checklist
- Sterile Manufacturing Area Audit Checklist
- Batch Production Record Review Checklist
- CAPA Review and Effectiveness Verification Checklist
- Pharmaceutical Deviation and Non-Conformance Investigation Checklist
- Pharmaceutical Data Integrity and ALCOA Plus Compliance Checklist
- Pharmaceutical Change Control Review and Approval Checklist
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Why Use This Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Manufacturing Inspection Checklist?
This active pharmaceutical ingredient (api) manufacturing inspection checklist helps pharmaceutical & life sciences teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for qa manager / regulatory affairs specialist professionals, this checklist covers 31 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: quarterly.
Ensures compliance with ICH Q7 - Good Manufacturing Practice for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, FDA 21 CFR Part 211 API Requirements, EU GMP Part II - Basic Requirements for API, WHO Technical Report Series No. 957 Annex 2 GMP for APIs. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Manufacturing Inspection Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 31 inspection items across 6 sections: Starting Materials and Raw Materials, Process Controls and Critical Parameters, Impurity Control and Testing, Laboratory and QC, Packaging and Storage, Documentation and Records. It is designed for pharmaceutical & life sciences operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed quarterly. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
Who should use this Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Manufacturing Inspection Checklist?
This checklist is designed for QA Manager / Regulatory Affairs Specialist professionals in the pharmaceutical & life sciences industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.