Standard Operating Procedure for Label Printing and Verification for Injectable Products
| Department | Sterile Injectable Manufacturing |
|---|---|
| SOP No. | SOP/SIM/092/2025 |
| Supersedes | SOP/SIM/092/2022 |
| Page No. | Page 1 of 12 |
| Issue Date | 18/06/2025 |
| Effective Date | 20/06/2025 |
| Review Date | 18/06/2026 |
1. Purpose
This SOP provides a systematic approach for printing and verification of labels used for injectable products to ensure correct identification, traceability, and regulatory compliance throughout the packaging process.
2. Scope
This SOP is applicable to all primary
and secondary label printing, review, approval, and verification activities carried out in the sterile injectable manufacturing and packaging departments.
3. Responsibilities
- Packaging Operator: Responsible for printing labels as per batch requirements and specifications.
- QA Officer: To verify label accuracy, documentation, and reconciliation.
- Production Supervisor: To authorize and oversee label printing process.
4. Accountability
The Head of Quality Assurance is accountable for ensuring label printing and verification is carried out as per SOP, and any deviations are documented and investigated appropriately.
5. Procedure
5.1 Preparation for Label Printing
- Receive approved artwork and label specifications from QA/Regulatory Affairs.
- Ensure label printer is validated and calibrated.
- Use blank labels stored in controlled conditions, ensuring batch segregation.
- Record issuance of blank labels in Label Issuance Log (Annexure-1).
5.2 Label Printing
- Login to the label printing software with authorized credentials.
- Select correct label template based on product name, strength, dosage form, and pack size.
- Enter batch number, manufacturing date, expiry date, and product code as per BMR.
- Print a test label and get it verified by QA before bulk printing.
- Print labels as per batch size, including overages as per approved policy.
5.3 Label Verification
- QA personnel shall cross-verify 100% of the first 10 printed labels for accuracy.
- Random sampling (minimum 10%) of the remaining labels shall be done for quality check.
- Label Verification Record (Annexure-2) shall be filled and signed.
- Defective or excess labels must be recorded and destroyed as per SOP/SIM/096/2025.
5.4 Label Reconciliation and Storage
- At end of batch, unused labels must be counted, recorded, and destroyed in QA presence.
- Update the Label Reconciliation Log (Annexure-3).
- Ensure batch-specific segregation to avoid mix-up risks.
- Store labels securely until use or destruction.
6. Abbreviations
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
- QA: Quality Assurance
- BMR: Batch Manufacturing Record
7. Documents
- Label Issuance Log – Annexure-1
- Label Verification Record – Annexure-2
- Label Reconciliation Log – Annexure-3
8. References
- WHO GMP Guidelines – Labeling of Pharmaceutical Products
- ICH Q8 – Pharmaceutical Development
- 21 CFR 211.122 – Labeling Requirements
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
| Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signature | |||
| Date | |||
| Name | |||
| Designation | Manufacturing Executive | QA Executive | Head QA |
| Department | Production | Quality Assurance | Quality Assurance |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Label Issuance Log
| Date | Batch No. | Product | Label Qty Issued | Issued By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18/06/2025 | INJ/0923 | Ceftriaxone Injection | 10,500 | Rajesh Kumar |
Annexure-2: Label Verification Record
| Label Type | Batch No. | Verified Items | Status | Checked By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | INJ/0923 | Batch No., Mfg. Date, Exp. Date | Correct | Sunita Reddy |
Annexure-3: Label Reconciliation Log
| Batch No. | Issued | Used | Returned | Destroyed | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| INJ/0923 | 10,500 | 10,000 | 300 | 200 | As per SOP |
Revision History
| Revision Date | Revision No. | Details | Reason | Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20/04/2022 | 1.0 | Initial version | New SOP | QA Head |
| 18/06/2025 | 2.0 | Improved QA verification protocol | Annual review | QA Head |