Standard Operating Procedure for Batch Number Generation and Control in API Manufacturing
| Department | API Manufacturing |
|---|---|
| SOP No. | SOP/API/184/2025 |
| Supersedes | SOP/API/184/2022 |
| Page No. | Page 1 of 14 |
| Issue Date | 14/04/2025 |
| Effective Date | 16/04/2025 |
| Review Date | 14/04/2026 |
1. Purpose
To define the procedure for the generation, assignment, and control of batch numbers for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), intermediates, and other GMP-manufactured materials to ensure traceability, proper documentation, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all GMP batches of APIs, intermediates, and pilot-scale products manufactured at the facility. It includes generation logic, recording, issuance, usage,
and tracking of batch numbers across all manufacturing and quality-related documents.
3. Responsibilities
- QA Department: Responsible for generation, approval, and control of batch numbers. Maintains master logbook.
- Production Department: Requests batch numbers and ensures proper documentation in all batch-related records.
- QC Department: Verifies batch number in samples, CoA, and analytical records.
4. Accountability
The Head of QA is accountable for ensuring that the batch number generation and control system is implemented consistently and that batch traceability is maintained.
5. Procedure
5.1 Batch Number Format
- Batch numbers shall be generated using the following format: [Product Code]/[YYMM]/[Serial Number]
Example: API01/2504/001 where:- API01 = Unique Product Code assigned by QA
- 2504 = Year (2025) and Month (April)
- 001 = Serial number starting from 001 for each month
5.2 Batch Number Request and Approval
- Production shall request batch numbers using the Batch Number Request Form (Annexure-1).
- QA shall verify:
- Product name and code
- Manufacturing schedule
- Material planning confirmation
- QA shall assign batch numbers and record details in the Batch Number Issuance Register (Annexure-2).
5.3 Control of Batch Numbers
- Each batch number must be:
- Unique and non-repetitive
- Pre-approved before use
- Linked to a specific manufacturing BMR
- No batch number shall be used without QA issuance and authorization.
- In case of batch cancellation, the number shall be marked as “Cancelled” with reason.
5.4 Batch Number Usage and Tracking
- Batch number must appear on:
- Batch Manufacturing Record (BMR)
- In-process sampling labels
- QC test reports
- Packing and labeling materials
- Release documents and CoA
- Each step must ensure that the batch number is consistent across all associated documentation.
5.5 Electronic Batch Number Systems (if applicable)
- If batch numbers are managed in an ERP or LIMS:
- Only authorized QA personnel shall have access rights for generation
- System audit trail must be enabled
- Electronic batch numbers must sync with physical BMR
5.6 Batch Number Review and Audit
- QA shall conduct quarterly audits of batch number issuance and traceability.
- Verify against production and release records.
- Any discrepancy must be investigated using the Batch Number Discrepancy Form (Annexure-3).
6. Abbreviations
- API: Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient
- BMR: Batch Manufacturing Record
- QA: Quality Assurance
- QC: Quality Control
- LIMS: Laboratory Information Management System
- ERP: Enterprise Resource Planning
7. Documents
- Batch Number Request Form (Annexure-1)
- Batch Number Issuance Register (Annexure-2)
- Batch Number Discrepancy Form (Annexure-3)
8. References
- ICH Q7 – GMP for APIs
- 21 CFR Part 211.105 – Equipment identification
- EU GMP Part II – Section 5 and 6
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
| Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signature | |||
| Date | |||
| Name | |||
| Designation | |||
| Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Batch Number Request Form
| Product Name | Product Code | Requested By | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| API-X | API01 | Rajesh Kumar | 10/04/2025 |
Annexure-2: Batch Number Issuance Register
| Batch No. | Product Code | Issued By | Issue Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| API01/2504/001 | API01 | Sunita Reddy | 11/04/2025 | Active |
Annexure-3: Batch Number Discrepancy Form
| Batch No. | Discrepancy Description | Investigation Summary | Action Taken |
|---|---|---|---|
| API01/2504/004 | Mismatch in CoA and BMR | Typographical error | Corrected and retrained staff |
Revision History:
| Revision Date | Revision No. | Details | Reason | Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2022 | 1.0 | Initial Version | New SOP | QA Head |
| 14/04/2025 | 2.0 | Included ERP/LIMS usage | System integration | QA Head |