The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has launched a new electronic system for registering human medicine export certificates, marking a significant shift from paper-based processes to digital regulatory compliance. The Department of Health and Social Care announcement confirms the system is now operational for pharmaceutical companies seeking to export UK-manufactured medicines.
UK Pharmaceutical Export Process Digitisation
Transition from paper-based to electronic certificate system, 2024
system
only
launched
Source: MHRA, 2024 | Georgian Medical Journal News
Streamlined Regulatory Compliance
The electronic register represents a modernisation of the UK’s pharmaceutical export oversight system. Companies exporting human medicines from the UK must now use the digital platform to obtain necessary certificates, according to the MHRA guidance.
This digitisation aligns with broader health policy trends toward electronic regulatory systems. The system aims to improve administrative processes for pharmaceutical exports.
Impact on Pharmaceutical Industry
The new system affects all UK-based pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors seeking to export human medicines to international markets. The MHRA’s digital transformation initiative includes this certificate system as part of broader regulatory modernisation efforts.
The system maintains regulatory standards while transitioning to digital administrative processes, according to the Department of Health and Social Care publication.
Key takeaways
- UK human medicine export certificates now processed through new electronic system
- Digital platform launched by MHRA for pharmaceutical companies
- System transitions from paper-based to electronic certificate processing
Frequently asked questions
What medicines require electronic export certificates?
Human medicines manufactured in the UK and intended for export to international markets require certificates through the new electronic system, according to MHRA guidance. This includes prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, and other regulated pharmaceutical products.
How does the digital system change the process?
The electronic platform replaces the previous paper-based certificate processes, according to the Department of Health and Social Care announcement. Companies can now access the digital system for certificate applications.
Who operates this system?
The electronic export certificate system is operated by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency), as stated in the Department of Health and Social Care publication.
The implementation of electronic export certificates reflects the UK’s regulatory modernisation efforts, as the country establishes digital pharmaceutical oversight systems. This electronic infrastructure supports the UK’s pharmaceutical export processes while maintaining safety standards for international medicine trade.
Source: Human medicines: register of electronic export certificates


