EMARegulatory IntelligenceGuidanceHIGH INSPECTION RISK
EU GVP Modules

EU Good Pharmacovigilance Practices (GVP)

The EU good pharmacovigilance practices — a modular set of guidelines (Modules I-XVI plus product/population-specific considerations) governing the safety surveillance of medicines across their lifecycle: the pharmacovigilance system and its master file, risk management plans, ICSR management, signal management, and post-authorisation safety studies.

LAST REVISED
January 2017
PRODUCT AREAS
Pharmacovigilance
SCOPE & APPLICABILITY

Marketing authorisation holders and competent authorities operating pharmacovigilance systems for EU-authorised medicines. Operated through EudraVigilance and the QPPV role.

KEY REQUIREMENTS
  • 01A defined pharmacovigilance system with a QPPV and a maintained PSMF
  • 02Risk management plans proportionate to the product safety profile
  • 03ICSR collection and expedited/periodic submission via EudraVigilance
  • 04A documented signal-management process with defined timelines
IMPLEMENTATION TIPS
Keep the PSMF continuously current — it is the first document requested at a PV inspection
Align signal-management cadence and documentation with Module IX to withstand scrutiny
REVISION NOTES

Modules have been revised individually since first publication in 2012; several (e.g. Module VI) were updated to reflect ISO/ICH E2B(R3) ICSR standards.

EU GVP Modules: frequently asked questions

Quick answers to common questions about EU GVP Modules.

What is EU GVP Modules?

EU GVP Modules — EU Good Pharmacovigilance Practices (GVP) — is a guidance issued by the European Medicines Agency (European Union). The EU good pharmacovigilance practices — a modular set of guidelines (Modules I-XVI plus product/population-specific considerations) governing the safety surveillance of medicines across their lifecycle: the pharmacovigilance system and its master file, risk management plans, ICSR management, signal management, and post-authorisation safety studies.

Who does EU GVP Modules apply to?

Marketing authorisation holders and competent authorities operating pharmacovigilance systems for EU-authorised medicines. Operated through EudraVigilance and the QPPV role.

What are the key requirements of EU GVP Modules?

EMA EU GVP Modules requires, among other things: A defined pharmacovigilance system with a QPPV and a maintained PSMF; Risk management plans proportionate to the product safety profile; ICSR collection and expedited/periodic submission via EudraVigilance; A documented signal-management process with defined timelines.

When was EU GVP Modules last updated?

The current version of EU GVP Modules dates from January 2017. Modules have been revised individually since first publication in 2012; several (e.g. Module VI) were updated to reflect ISO/ICH E2B(R3) ICSR standards.

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Weekly Briefing

Track the standards that move

When EU GVP Modules — or any GxP requirement — is revised, recalled against, or clarified by new guidance, the Weekly GxP Briefing surfaces it. Free, one email a week.

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