Source: https://www.ifaffm.de/en/faq.html
Timestamp: 2019-04-20 15:17:25+00:00

Document:
Our FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) contain answers to frequently asked questions. All questions are listed in their specific topic. If you miss your question in our FAQs, do not hesitate to contact us.
Under which conditions can a PZN application be made?
To apply for a PZN, there must be a valid contract with IFA GmbH and a customer ID. New customers can send form B1 or B2 for the first publication together with their contract!
Why do I have to include so much information when I only wish to receive a PZN for my product?
The PZN is not just an order number and is not just meant for generating a barcode. Trading companies and other users of the IFA information services do not only wish to know what particular product is meant with a PZN but also whether a prescription is needed or not, whether it must be refrigerated, whether it can be bought through the pharmaceutical wholesalers, etc. The IFA GmbH is responsible for collecting and distributing these data in a structured way; the supplier is responsible for providing them.
Can a supplier choose a PZN?
No, the PZN is generated automatically.
Does the IFA Database contain product photos?
No. If you need to publish photos for your products, please contact your software provider.
When do I need a cover sheet?
Please attach a cover sheet per order, not per product.
May I hand in 'Zulassungs-/Registrierungsunterlagen' late?
For publications of medicinal products obliged to marketing authorisation, you have to meet the regular deadline for first publications.
If necessary, marketing authorisations may be handed in by the deadline for product changes.
Publication into the IFA database can only be done if the supplier hands in all necessary documents.
Is it possible to reactivate a deleted PZN?
No, a deleted PZN cannot be reactivated.
By which date is a cancellation with the IFA GmbH possible?
The contract with the IFA GmbH can be terminated in written form with a notice period of three months to the end of the calendar year.
What is the difference between the product types: standard pack and clinic pack?
The product type standard pack means the delivery to pharmacies, pharmaceutical wholesalers and clinics. The product type clinic pack is only meant for hospitals and clinics.
Can changes in product identifying characteristics be made?
Changes in product identifying characteristics such as shortened product name, package size, pharmaceutical form, attribute "medicinal product" and product type are not possible whilst retaining the PZN. As a product is uniquely identified for market participants with the PZN, it must be ensured that the product identifying characteristics remain unchanged.
Why do I have to submit a first publication when I only wish to change the name, package size, pharmaceutical form, attribute?
These changes will result in the so-called product identifying characteristics being changed which make the allocation of a new PZN necessary (you can find further information on this topic in the IFA guideline with requirements for registered products and their suppliers and rules for the PZN pre-allocation - Richtlinien für die Zuteilung von Pharmazentralnummern - available only in German).
Due to the vital role of a PZN in the IFA information services, you must provide the IFA GmbH with all necessary information for a first publication of a PZN in the IFA database. From the IFA information services’ point of view, a product with a new PZN is to be taken as a new entry regardless of whether it existed before or not.
What do the abbreviations mean in connection with the prices?
Detailed information about prices you find in the glossary.
What is important with the prices for clinic packs?
Please enter only the KHAEP (Hospital Pharmacy Purchasing Price), as clinic packs can be sold only to hospitals pharmacies.
You can state both APU and PPU if you notify a prescription-only clinic pack with level of reimbursement in accordance with § 130b of the German Social Code Book Five (SGB V). Stating the APU § 78 (3a) 1 AMG is, however, mandatory and AEP PPU and AVP PPU remain void.
How are the prices for pharmacy-only, non-prescription medicinal products calculated?
Prices for pharmacy-only, non-prescription medicinal products are calculated according to the Pharmaceutical Price Ordinance in German Social Code Book Five (SGB V). Furthermore, a recommended retail price can be given.
Why is a CE marking necessary for medical devices?
According to § 6 of the Medical Devices Act (MPG), medical devices may only be marketed with a valid CE Marking.
Please send us proof of the CE marking together with your registration for first publication of new medical devices.
What special rules apply to the marketing of sterile medical devices?
According to DIN 58953-8:2010-05, sterile medical devices should be delivered, transported and stored in a so-called packaging system, consisting of a primary (sterile barrier system) and an additional (non-sterile) outer secondary packaging (protective packaging).
1. PZN assignment for a single sterile medical device that is properly packed in a sterile barrier system and protective outer packaging.
2. PZN assignment for a protective package. The protection packing (e.g. the pack size 10 pieces) contains several sterile medical devices without individual protective packaging. The PZN should only be applied to the protective packaging, as the individually packaged sterile medical devices have no specific protective packaging.
Consequently, the PZN may not be used for sterile medical devices in a sterile barrier system without protective packaging.
Why do I need to state the manufacturer´s name for food supplements?
If, in the case of food supplements (NEM – Nahrungsergänzugnsmittel), the supplier and manufacturer are not one and the same, both companies must be named. The reason for requiring the name of the manufacturer is for transparency of the origin of the product.
Which products can have a BOPST number and what it its purpose?
A BOPST number can be assigned to either narcotic drugs according to § 1 of the German Narcotic Drugs Act (BTMG) or “ausgenommene Zubereitungen” according to § 2 BtMG. This 8-digit numeric attribute characterizes “ausgenommene Zubereitungen”, that are (partially) subject to narcotic drugs regulations and serves furthermore for the foreign trade with narcotic drugs.
Why do I need to send authorisation documents (Zulassungsunterlagen) with every first publication of a medicinal product?
When notifying zulassungs- oder registrierungspflichtigen (marketing authorisation or mandatory registration) medicinal products, you must prove that they are authorised or registered.
For medicinal products which marketing authorisation is more than six months old, it suffices to state the date of the authorisation – with the following exception: suppliers that notify a mandatory verification medicinal product in accordance with counterfeit protection policy for the very first time in the IFA Database, must submit the authorisation documents (Zulassungsunterlagen) even though it may be older than six months. This comes with the more detailed eligibility checks in the legal framework of the counterfeit protection directive.
Why do I have to include product information to my product which I wish to publish or change certain legal information?
In the above mentioned cases, IFA GmbH cooperates with ABDATA Pharma-Daten-Service, a business branch of the Werbe- und Vertriebs-gesellschaft Deutscher Apotheker GmbH. ABDATA checks the legal classification of each new published product on its credibility. All data needed for the classification such as ingredients, p.r.n. stated field of application or information on the effect is taken from the product information. Moreover, ABDATA gathers further information from the product information of certain product types such as medicinal products or surgical dressings and stores the data in different databases – for example in the ABDA-Datenbank – which is made available to expert groups for specific questions and as source for researching. That is why product information has to be included when placing an order of the above mentioned kinds.
Does the supplier need to notify the Melderegister number of the UBA to IFA?
- You are supplier of a product with a compulsory notification according to Batteriegesetz (BattG).
- You received an 8-digit Melderegister number upon compulsory notification from the Umweltbundesamt (UBA).
- The product was marketed for the first time in Germany by you or a different supplier.
Which law regulates the return of batteries and accumulators?
Batteries and accumulators are obliged under Batteriegesetzes (BattG) and not under Elektro- und Elektronikgerätegesetz (ElektroG).
Should you register a Registrierungsnummer with stiftung ear (WEEE-Reg.-Nr. DE) for all electric appliances?
What is the purpose of the attribute WEEE-Reg.-Nr. DE in the IFA Database?
Participants of the pharmaceutical market can gather information from the attribute WEEE-Reg.-Nr. DE (Registrierungs number of stiftung ear according to ElektroG) such as the number itself under which the producer of electronics, for which the PZN has been assigned to, is registered in Germany. And thus the return of the device is regulated.
I am a supplier; do I need to notify IFA GmbH with my WEEE-Reg.-Nr. DE number?
- You are a supplier of a product whose producer underlies the mandatory registration by stiftung elektro-altgeräte register (stiftung ear) according to Elektro- und Elektronikgerätegesetz (ElektroG).
- The product received an 8-digit WEEE-Reg.-Nr. DE by stiftung ear (www.stiftung-ear.de).
- You or another supplier (both underlying the mandatory registration) launched the product in Germany for the first time.
How do I notify if the manufacturer discount is credited by AMNOG agreement according to § 130 b paragraph 1 sentence 4 of the Fifth Book of the German Social Code (SGB V)?
You can notify this by entering the value 1 for "yes" into column „Ablösung § 130a (1/8) SGB V“ of the EAD complete file.
Column „Ablösung § 130a (1a/8) SGB V“ of the EAD complete file is for notifiying the removal of the increased manufacturer discount according to § 130a paragraph 1a SGB V, as applicable until 31. December 2013.
An incorrect manufacturer discount has been charged for my medicinal products. How can I change it?
The manufacturer discount according to § 130a of the Fifth Book of the German Social Code (SGB V) is calculated by the ABDATA with exception to the discount of vaccines. If and to what amount the generic discount applies, depends on the provided information (see form B1 bottom right).
Please note that marking your medicinal product as generic according to § 10 (1) of Directive 2001/83/EC (German: Bezugnehmende Zulassung Generikum) does not result in a generic discount for the product.
I do not understand the charged manufacturer discounts. Where are the manufacturer discounts regulated?
What do the abbreviations mean in connection with the distribution channels?
What should be considered when choosing the status discontinued?
A product is labelled as discontinued (AV), the item is removed from the market and will not be re-supplied. However, stock may be sold-off. The discontinued status is permanent and irreversible.
Products with a temporary delivery discontinuation or inability to deliver should remain on the market unless the production has ceased.
I'm a manufacturer of a product published in the IFA information services. Why can’t I change the data of my product without approval of the listed supplier?
Agreements between manufacturer and supplier can be very complex. It is impossible for the IFA GmbH to judge who possesses the rights in each and every case. Thus we only allow order forms from the currently listed supplier. In the case of a change in the distribution law, this must be made known to the IFA GmbH immediately from both sides (supplier change). If there are disagreements between the manufacturer and distributor, it is up to both to resolve them and inform the IFA GmbH accordingly. In both cases, the IFA GmbH requires consensual letters to take change orders in the future.
What considerations are necessary during a supplier change?
A supplier change will only be processed if there is an order from the new supplier and the approval of the old supplier are handed into the IFA. Both, already published as well as pre-allocated PZN´s can be switched. It is also possible to switch only a number of PZN´s.
Why is a manufacturing/wholesale licence required?
A manufacturing authorization (Herstellungserlaubnis) according to § 13 of German Medicinal Products Act (Arzneimittelgesetz – AMG) is required by all entrepreneurs, that manufacture medicinal products commercially or professionally within the meaning of § 2 AMG. Manufacturing here includes the production, extraction, preparation and offering of medicinal products. This requirement applies to any company that is involved in any step of the production of medicinal products. This applies regardless of whether the company also acts as a pharmaceutical entrepreneur pursuant to § 4 (18) AMG - or as holder of the authorization or markets medicinal products under his name. Contract manufacturers which perform certain manufacturing steps on behalf of the pharmaceutical company, are also required to have a manufacturing authorization. A manufacturing license is required for the production of medicinal products which are not yet approved - e.g. for medicinal products that are used in a clinical trial (so-called investigational medicinal products) or other medicinal products which do not require approval. If you hold a Herstellungserlaubnis according to § 13 AMG, please send a copy thereof to us. For more information see: § 13 AMG.
A wholesale license according to § 52a AMG is required by all companies which trade in medicinal products either professionally or commercially. According to § 4 (22) AMG, trading involves the procurement, storage and sale or export of medicinal products. The transfer of medicinal products to clinicians, veterinarians or hospitals is exempted from this rule. Exceptions to this permit requirement are in the travel industry, gases for medicinal purposes, in the normal course of operation of pharmacies as well as in the context of purchasing groups. If you hold a Großhandelserlaubnis according to § 52a AMG, please send a copy thereof to us. For more information see: § 52a AMG.
Can the distributor be named?
No, the distributor cannot be named. The phone number, fax number and email address of the distributor can be stored.
Which information is provided from the IFA information services?
We maintain additional information for each PZN. A broad overview is offered in form B1 (medicinal products), B3 (medical devices) and B2 (other items). If you need further information, send an email to IFA GmbH.
Which data format does IFA GmbH use to supply data?
You receive the data in ASCII-Format.
Can the IFA data be processed directly?
No, IFA supplies raw data. They must first be processed using software programming.
Do the IFA data contain information about ingredients and use?
No, this information is contained within the ABDATA data.
How is the data subscription cost calculated?
If and under what conditions the data delivery is available depends on the business type and the nature of the intended data use.
Where can I find further information on implementing the FMD in the IFA database?
Information on implementing the Falsified Medicines Directive 2011/62/EU (FMD) and ist Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/161 (dVO) in the IFA database can be found here: Informationen zur Umsetzung der FMD in der IFA-Datenbank.
Where can I find the legal background on verification?
Which products are obliged to verification and are there any exceptions?
Obliged to verification are all prescription-only medicinal products for human use that are not mentioned as an exception in the White List (i. a. some homoepathics). Furthermore, OTC medicinal products mentioned in the Black List are obliged to verification (currently medicinal products with the active agent omeprazole in two potencies). White and Black List can be found in the appendix of the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/161.
Do clinic packs need to be verified?
Yes, clinic packs of medicinal products obliged to verification must be verified.
Do clinic components need to be verified?
No, clinic components (smallest unit of a clinic pack) may not be verified. Clinic packs of medicinal products obliged to verification, hoewever, need to be verified.
Are physician samples obliged to FMD?
Yes, physician samples according to AMG are, if the medicinal product itself is obliged to verification, also obliged to verification. They must be serialised just like any other sales pack. All four data elements must be uploaded into the PU system. Prior to dispense, the physician sample must be checked out by the pharmaceutical entrepreneur. Thus OTC, non-prescription-only, physician samples do not have to be verified unless they are stated in the Black List.
For variants b) and c), product types physician sample will be published in the IFA Database with their own PZNs.
Do physician sample packs have to bear a PZN in clear print or in a code (DMC or Code 39)?
(produkt code, serial number, expiry date, batch number) and their clear print information. Generally it is recommended to print the PZN in clear print since this eases usage and documentation in physician practice.
What consequences does the effective date 09.02.2019 have for pharmaceutical entrepreneurs and other groups affected?
From the FMD's effective date 09.02.219, pharmaceutical entrepreneurs may only market medicinal products obliged to verification when the packs bear the two necessary security features. These packs are only dispensable after their successful verification.
b) unique identifier, consisting of four data elements in the Data Matrix Code.
Of what does the unique identifier consist?
It is used to check the medicinal product's authenticity and to identify individual packs. The data elements are printed onto the pack in a Data Matrix Code and generally in plain text. This information is uploaded by the pharmaceutcial entrepreneur into the PU system.
Where can I find information on the anti-tampering device?
The anti-tampering decive, preventing interferance with the product, makes the first opening of the pack evident. Further information on the different options can be found on the website of the Deutsches Institut für Normung and the Europäisches Komitee für Normung (DIN EN 16679:2015-03).
What happens to packs not bearing the security features?
Packs of medicinal products obliged to verification not bearing the security features made dispensable before 09.02.2019 remain as such until the end of their expiration date.
Packs of medicinal products obliged to verification marketed from 09.02.2019 onwards are only dispensable when bearing the necessary security features.
What is securPharm e. V.?
securPharm e. V., a non-profit-orientated organisation, as so-called National Medicines Verification Organisation, NMVO is responsible for the setup of the system to validate medicinal products in Germany. Pharmaceutical entrepreneurs must join securPharm's system in order to meet the legal obligation to notify the necessary data into the national database.
What is ACS PharmaProtect GmbH?
ACS PharmaProtect GmbH has been made system operator by securPharm e. V. in the context of implementing the FMD. It is responsible for the contractual and technical connection of pharmaceutical entrepreneurs concerned in the German pharmaceutical market (PU system). In order to connect to their system, pharmaceutical entrepreneurs have to contact ACS PharmaProtect GmbH directly via email info@pharmaprotect.de or telephone +49 30 577037-900.
European Medicines Verification Organisation - emvo's task within the scope of implementing the FMD is coordinating the verification on a European level. It hosts the European hub organising verification queries from European countries. Pharmaceutical entrepreneurs affected by the FMD and registered with ACS PharmaProtect GmbH must also register with EMVO.
NGDA (Netzgesellschaft Deutscher Apotheker mbH) runs the pharmacy server aiding pharmacists and other market participants medicinal products' verification. Scanning each pack before its dispense verifies the authenticity of the pack through data exchange.
Does the serial number have to be randomised?
Yes, the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/161 requires randomising serial numbers. Pharmaceutical entrepreneurs are responsible for its technical realisation. securPharm coding regulations must be followed.
Do I have to affix the serial number in clear print onto the pack?
Yes, the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/161 requires the serial number in clear print. An exception can be made for small packs (sum of two smallest sides < 10 cm).
Does the Data Matrix Code have to bear the emblem PPN (or NTIN)?
Yes, the PPN (or NTIN) emblem must be affixed next to the Data Matrix Code in clear print. If the pack bears different codes, using the PPN indicates the relevant code for verification. Exceptions from affixing the emblem may be found in securPharm's coding regulations for pharmaceutical companies.
Can a pack bear more than one Data Matrix Code? If so, how do I recognise the relevante code?
Yes, a pack may bear more than one Data Matrix Code. The relevant Data Matrix Code to the pharmacy system is marked with the emblem PPN. Scanning other codes will be recognised and ignored by the system.
Does the trial period's pack layout differ from the later layout?
Medicinal products participating in the trial period affix PZN and Code 39 and a Data Matrix Code. Prior to 09.02.2019, the Delegated Regulation does not apply which is why it is at the pharmaceutical entrepreneur's discretion to affix clear print and the anti-temper device on packs in the trial period. The pack layout must be updated no later than 09.02.2019, so that all packs marketed from this date onwards bear the correct features.
May I omit the PZN in Code 39 on the outer pack upon changing to the Data Matrix Code?
Pharmaceutical entrepreneurs are obliged to affix PZN in clear print and Code 39 or as Data Matrix Code (DMC) on the outer pack according to the amended frame agreement § 131 SGB V. The barcode, Code 39, must be affixed additionally at least until 09.02.2019.
If Code 39 is omitted from 09.02.2019, the PZN must be affixed with the label "PZN: " in clear print.
Where on the pack does the Data Matrix Code have to be affixed?
Positioning is neither regulated in the FMD 2011/62/EU nor the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/161. The pharmaceutical entrepreneur determins the positioning due to the pack's layout and printing cirmumstances.
Since when is the Data Matrix Code mandatory?
According to the delegated act (EU) 2016/161, the deadline 09.02.2019 is mandatory for all medicinal products obliged to verification.
Does the PZN have to be affixed onto the pack?
Yes, even if the pack bears the product code as PPN or NTIN, the PZN is mandatory in clear print with the label "PZN: " since 09.02.2019.
Where on the pack does the PZN have to be affixed?
Generally the PZN may be affixed anywhere on the pack. For centrally authorised medicinal products, the PZN must be placed in the blue box.
Does the pack of medicinal products have to bear a national reimbursement number?
The delegated act (EU) 2016/161 (dVO) calls for a national reimbursement number or a national number (NN) to identify the medicinal product as unique identifier (UI) if demanded by the member state. For medicinal products in Germany, the legislation does not demand this in a UI. Thus the request in the so-called fifth element (NN) is not needed. In accordance with dVO, it suffices if the Data Matrix Code contains product code, serial number, expiry date and batch number.
Please note that legal regulations such as Arzneimittelgesetz (AMG), frame agreement accodring to § 131 SGB V, QRD templates and EU guidelines remain untouched.
Does the PZN have to be in the Data Matrix Code as fifth element?
No, since the PZN is embedded in both PPN and NTIN, there is no need in Germany to encode it as further (fifth) element. Multi country packs are a specialty because they do not contain the PZN within the product code. For those packs, the PZN must be included in the Data Matrix Code as fifth element.
How do single market packs and multi market packs have to be marked with and without blue box?
According to dVO, the product code must be affixed close to the Data Matrix Codes. Germany permits PPN or NTIN as product codes. Both contain the embedded PZN. Printing the PZN as fifth element of the Data Matrix Code and in clear print with the label "NN: " is not necessary. According to the frame agreement according to § 131 SGB V, the PZN has to be included in the DMC and affixed in clear print with the label "PZN: " on the outer pack since 09.02.2019.
The dVO does not state specific indications. Since the unique identifier (UI) cannot be linked to a country, the UI cannot be part of the blue box (neither Data Matrix Code nor clear print). The frame agreement according to § 131 SGB V calls for PZN identification in accordance with the "BLUE BOX" requirements within the box "Deutschland". PZN is to be affixed without "NN: " since it it not part of the UI (CMDh/201 - OUTER PACKAGING - #18 refers to the UI).
The pharmaceutical entrepreneur determins which internationally unique product code to use to verify the pack. The product code and serial number are outside the blue box. For identifying further markets and reimbursement purposes, a nationally used product number is used. It may be affixed onto the pack or linked via tha database. If it is stated on the pack, "BLUE BOX" requirements apply.
How do I have to code multi market packs meant for the German and Austrian market?
Because the Austrian PZN is linked via the database with the pack's product code, it is not included in the product code of multi market packs. If the product code a GTIN given by the pharmaceutical entrepreneur, the German PZN must be encoded as fith element. This may be omitted if the pharmaceutical entrepreneur uses the NTIN as product code due to the embedded German PZN in the NTIN itself.
What clear print requirements are there for German-Austrian multi market packs?
PZN is to be affixed in clear print with the label "PZN: ".
EAN code may be affixed.
Note: "EAN code" is equivalent to the GTIN containing the Austrian PZN (may be referred to as NTIN-AT).
How do I notify the master data for German-Austrian multi market packs?
The pharmaceutical entrepreneur on the one hand notifies the determined product code with the Austrian PZN to the Austrian Apothekerverlag for data connection. On the other hand it notifies EMVO the German PZN and the Austrian PZN with the product code for identification.
May I choose between PPN and NTIN as product code for coding?
Yes, you may choose between PPN and NTIN. The pharmaceutical entrepreneur chooses which product code to use for coding. Both follow the same ISO- standards and contain the embedded PZN.
The difference is on the technical level of coding which is explained in securPharm's coding regulations. When using the NTIN, the pharmaceutical entrepreneur must follow licence requirements of GS1. Using the PPN (additionally to the PZN) does not generate further costs.
What is the difference between a GTIN and an NTIN?
The NTIN is a specific type of GTIN where existing national numbers, such as for example the PZN, are encoded in a way to make it internationally unique. The difference lies in generating the GTIN. With the NTIN the right of assigning lies with the issuing agency and not with the pharmaceutical entrepreneur. Using the NTIN does not create any difference. Since the NTIN is a full GTIN and does not technically differ, the application identifier (AI) "01" is used.
What data elements may/must the data matrix code include for OTCs?
For packs not obliged to the falsified medicines directive (FMD), the Data Matrix Code may be used optionally according to the coding regulations. The DMC has to contain at least the product code in the form of PPN or NTIN. Additionally, the batch number and expiry date may be included. FMD does not allow to affix a serial number.
What purpose do the verification attributes have in the IFA database?
The two attributes Verifizierung im Pflichtbetrieb ab Hochladedatum and Verifizierung im Pflichtbetrieb ab Verfalldatum in the IFA database help to determine medicinal products obliged to verification and to rule out so-called Bestandsware released packs for the market before the deadline 09.02.2019. Thus these attributes determine the unhindered release of Bestandsware.
Where do I find the MAH-ID needed for applying to ACS PharmaProtect GmbH or EMVO respectively?
The MAH-ID is the 5-digit IFA-Adress-Nummer (IFA address number). It is not to be confused with the IFA-Kunden-Nummer (IFA Customer ID), which is used for communication between IFA and suppliers exclusively. Your company's IFA-Adress-Nummer can be found in the supplier's address data.
What types of Bestandsware not obliged to verification are there in the transition period after 09.02.2019?
Which attributes must be notified to IFA GmbH regarding the implemented FMD on medicinal products obliged to verification and from what point in time is it possible to do so?
Both attributes Verifizierung im Pflichtbetrieb ab Hochladedatum and Verifizierung im Pflichtbetrieb ab Verfalldatum must be notified to IFA GmbH for medicinal products obliged to verification. They are used to determine medicinal products' packs obliged to verification and rule out so-called Bestandsware (released packs from 09.02.2019).
What does notifying the attribute 'Verifizierung im Pflichtbetrieb ab Hochladedatum' mean – when and how do I notify it?
With the attribute Verifizierung im Pflichtbetrieb ab Hochladedatum the pharmaceutical entrepreneur determins the medicinal product's obligation to verification. The pharmaceutical entrepreneur notifies the date of the first upload of packs obliged to verifications' serial numbers into the PU system. Typically this is the deadline 09.02.2019.
Per PZN this notification must be done once even if logically over time more and more serial numbers are uploaded into the PU system.
How do I notify the attributes 'Verifizierung im Pflichtbetrieb ab Hochladedatum' and 'Verifizierung im Pflichtbetrieb ab Verfalldatum' for new publications after 15.02.2019?
What does notifying the attribute 'Verifizierung im Pflichtbetrieb ab Verfalldatum' mean – when and how do I notify it?
The attribute Verifizierung im Pflichtbetrieb ab Verfalldatum depicts the shelf life of the first batch obliged to verification. It is used to distinguish dispensable so-called Bestandsware from packs obliged to verification.
If the expiry date in the pack's Data Matrix Code is before the notified date, Bestandsware is expected. If in doubt, the pharmaceutical entrepreneur notifies the latest possible expiry date: this is the deadline 09.02.2019 plus the medicinal product's shelf life added on top.
You will notify the deadline date of the FMD, 09.02.2019, because the reference to the deadline remains the same.
Thus the pharmaceutical entrepreneur/supplier determins the medicinal product as obliged to verification. All data uploads will be treated as obliged to verification by the so-called PU system.
By notifying this attribute, the pharmaceutical entrepreneur/supplier has the opportunity to prevent a third party from marketing non FMD compliant products suggesting that it would be Bestandsware. Thus the the pharmaceutical entrepreneur/supplier has to notify a date before the one stated on the DMC respectively affixed to the first batch's pack. I. e. the date 022019 can be notified.
The pharmaceutical entrepreneur will notify the upload date of FMD-compliant serial numbers into the EU hub or ACS. I. e. the date may be after the 09.02.2019.
The highest possible entry for this attirbute is the deadline date 09.02.2019 plus the shelf life of the affected medicinal product.
What happens if I do not notify the attributes for my medicinal products obliged to verification 'Verifizierung im Pflichtbetrieb ab Hochlade-/Verfalldatum'?
If the supplier fails to notify the attributes Verifizierung im Pflichtbetrieb ab Hochladedatum and Verifizierung im Pflichtbetrieb ab Verfalldatum, logic check system processes in the market will act according to the data notified by the supplier. Incorrect or incomplete notifications may lead to packs that would be dispensable not being recognized as such and thus will not be dispensed. Notifying the above mentioned attributes is vital.
May packs not bearing security features still be dispensed after 09.02.2019?
Yes, if it is actual Bestandsware released to the market prior to the 09.02.2019. For the systems to identify these packs as Bestandsware, the pharmaceutical entrepreneur must notify the attributes Verifizierung im Pflichtbetrieb ab Hochladedatum and Verifizierung im Pflichtbetrieb ab Verfalldatum.
Why do I have to notify both attributes 'Verifizierung im Pflichtbetrieb ab Hochladedatum' and 'Verifizierung im Pflichtbetrieb ab Verfalldatum' to IFA GmbH?
The attributes Verifizierung im Pflichtbetrieb ab Hochladedatum and Verifizierung im Pflichtbetrieb ab Verfalldatum are used to identify medicinal products obliged to verification as well as to distinguish these from the so-called Bestandsware, packs released prior to 09.02.2019. Thus these attributes aid the dispense of Bestandsware.
What purpose does the 'PNR' in the IFA Information Services have?
PNR (Nummer des Pharmazeutischen Unternehmers - number of the pharmaceutical entrepreneur, assigned by BfArM) is used for internal purposes in relation to implementing the FMD. It is not issued as part of the IFA Information Services.

References: § 130
 § 78
 § 6
 § 1
 § 2
 § 130
 § 130
 § 130
 § 130
 § 130
 § 10
 § 13
 § 2
 § 4
 § 13
 § 13
 § 52
 § 4
 § 52
 § 52
 V. 
 § 131
 V. 
 § 131
 § 131
 § 131