Standard Operating Procedure for Review and Approval of Batch Manufacturing Records (BMR) in API Manufacturing
| Department | API Manufacturing |
|---|---|
| SOP No. | SOP/API/161/2025 |
| Supersedes | SOP/API/161/2022 |
| Page No. | Page 1 of 13 |
| Issue Date | 14/04/2025 |
| Effective Date | 16/04/2025 |
| Review Date | 14/04/2026 |
1. Purpose
To establish a standard procedure for the thorough review and systematic approval of Batch Manufacturing Records (BMRs) to ensure accuracy, completeness, regulatory compliance, and readiness for batch release in API manufacturing.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all batches of active pharmaceutical ingredients manufactured at the facility. It
covers the responsibilities, documentation, review process, and approval hierarchy from production through Quality Assurance (QA).
3. Responsibilities
- Production Officer: Ensure all fields in BMR are duly filled, signed, and verified during manufacturing activities.
- QA Reviewer: Perform thorough BMR review post-manufacture and identify deviations, omissions, or errors.
- QA Manager: Approve BMR after verification and confirm batch release readiness.
- QC Analyst: Attach all relevant analytical data, including Certificate of Analysis (CoA), to the BMR.
4. Accountability
The Head of Quality Assurance is accountable for ensuring compliance with the BMR review procedure and that no batch is released without BMR approval.
5. Procedure
5.1 BMR Preparation During Manufacturing
- The Production department shall fill out the BMR in real-time, using indelible ink, without overwriting.
- Entries must be made immediately after each activity step is completed.
- All sections must be signed and dated by the responsible personnel and verified by production supervisory staff.
- Attach all associated documents including raw material requisition, process flow diagrams, in-process test results, equipment usage logs, and deviation reports.
5.2 Handover to QA
- After completion of batch manufacturing, the Production Officer shall hand over the BMR to QA.
- QA must log the date and time of BMR receipt in the “BMR Receipt Register” (Annexure-1).
5.3 Preliminary QA Review
- Check the following:
- Batch number and product name match the production plan
- All required fields are filled, signed, and dated
- No overwriting or unauthorized corrections exist
- All in-process checks are documented
- Logbook references match the entries
5.4 Detailed QA Review Checklist
- Verify the following:
- Raw materials were issued from approved stock and used within their shelf life
- Equipment was cleaned, calibrated, and released before use
- Critical process parameters are documented and fall within permissible ranges
- Yield and reconciliation calculations are correct
- Any deviations are recorded and closed with approved CAPA
- Analytical results match the specifications
- Record observations in the “BMR Review Checklist” (Annexure-2).
5.5 Handling Deviations in BMR
- If entries are missing or incorrect, raise a BMR discrepancy form (Annexure-3).
- Discrepancy must be resolved before final approval.
- Corrective entries must be endorsed with initials, date, and explanation — overwriting is not allowed.
5.6 BMR Approval and Archival
- After all corrections, the QA Reviewer shall sign the BMR review section.
- QA Manager shall perform a final review and approve the batch by signing the “Approved for Release” page.
- The approved BMR is handed to Document Control for archiving and scanned for electronic backup.
5.7 Batch Release Decision
- Only after BMR is reviewed, signed, and supported by:
- CoA
- Deviation closure reports
- In-process and final QC reports
- The batch release decision shall be documented and batch disposition updated in ERP/MIS system.
5.8 Retention of BMRs
- All BMRs shall be retained in a secured archive room for a minimum of 5 years or as per product shelf life.
- Electronic BMRs (eBMRs) shall be password protected and have limited access under QA control.
6. Abbreviations
- BMR: Batch Manufacturing Record
- QA: Quality Assurance
- QC: Quality Control
- CAPA: Corrective and Preventive Action
- ERP: Enterprise Resource Planning
7. Documents
- BMR Receipt Register (Annexure-1)
- BMR Review Checklist (Annexure-2)
- BMR Discrepancy Form (Annexure-3)
- Final BMR Approval Record
- Batch Release Status Sheet
8. References
- ICH Q10 – Pharmaceutical Quality System
- 21 CFR Part 211.188 – Batch Production and Control Records
- EU GMP Guidelines – Chapter 4: Documentation
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
| Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signature | |||
| Date | |||
| Name | |||
| Designation | |||
| Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: BMR Receipt Register
| Date | Batch No. | Product Name | Received By | QA Initials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13/04/2025 | BCH/APR/001 | API-Z | Rajesh Kumar | SN |
Annexure-2: BMR Review Checklist
| Review Parameter | Yes/No | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Material Traceability Verified | Yes | All CoAs Attached |
| Yield Calculation Accurate | Yes | Within limits |
| All Pages Signed | No | Page 12 signature missing |
Annexure-3: BMR Discrepancy Form
| Date | Batch No. | Discrepancy Observed | Corrective Action | Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13/04/2025 | BCH/APR/001 | Omitted yield entry | Updated by Supervisor | QA |
Revision History:
| Revision Date | Revision No. | Details | Reason | Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2022 | 1.0 | Initial version | New implementation | QA Head |
| 14/04/2025 | 2.0 | Added review checklist and ERP integration | Compliance upgrade | QA Head |