Pharmaceutical Exports Expected to Rise with Membership in International Pharmaceutical Inspection Convention

The Istanbul Chemical Substances and Products Exporters Association (İKMİB), which organizes various events to position the chemistry sector as a leader in global markets, held a "PIC/S (Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme) Membership and Stakeholder Consultation Workshop" together with the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TİTCK) on 28 February 2018 with the participation of approximately 250 sector representatives. Sector representatives were informed about the membership that would enhance the reputation and credibility of Turkey's pharmaceutical sector worldwide. At the "PIC/S Membership and Stakeholder Consultation Workshop" organized by TİTCK in cooperation with İKMİB at the Foreign Trade Complex on Wednesday, 28 February, companies' needs, expectations and solution proposals regarding Turkey's PIC/S membership process, as well as existing cases with pharmaceutical authorities of other countries, were discussed. The workshop, organized to create a joint technical working and consultation environment with sector representatives, manufacturers, importers and all stakeholders, informed companies about Turkey's PIC/S membership, which began in practice as of 1 January 2018. The Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S), a union established by pharmaceutical licensing authorities worldwide, is known as the most respected and valid body in this field. TİTCK, which was accepted to PIC/S—which includes Switzerland, the USA, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Canada, Japan and Australia among others—became an effective member as of 1 January 2018. Inspections conducted by TİTCK are recognized worldwide, and the quality and safety of medicines produced in Turkey are certified. At the same time, thanks to PIC/S membership, the technical barriers to accessing global markets for medicines produced in Turkey have been largely removed.

Membership Will Eliminate Non-Tariff Barriers in Pharmaceutical Exports

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, İKMİB Chairman of the Board of Management Murat Akyüz emphasized that with this membership, the quality and reliability of medicines produced in Turkey are being certified internationally, while Turkey is consolidating its position in the global pharmaceutical league. Noting that they expect an increase in pharmaceutical exports in the coming period, Akyüz said: "In the membership process supported by our pharmaceutical sector, both the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency and our manufacturers have undergone very serious and challenging inspections. Work on this matter has been ongoing for approximately 4 years. Membership in the PIC/S Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme will enhance the reputation and reliability of our pharmaceutical sector worldwide. Thanks to PIC/S membership, the inspections conducted by the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency will be valid throughout the world, which will facilitate our companies' operations, reduce their costs and eliminate non-tariff barriers in exports. It will also bring an increase in pharmaceutical exports, one of the highest value-added product groups in our chemistry sector. We are fully confident that the support provided by TİTCK for domestic production in our country will continue to increase with PIC/S membership."