SOP Guide for Pharma

Sterile Injectable Manufacturing: SOP for Packing Prefilled Syringes in Secondary Packaging – V 2.0

Sterile Injectable Manufacturing: SOP for Packing Prefilled Syringes in Secondary Packaging – V 2.0

Standard Operating Procedure for Packing Prefilled Syringes in Secondary Packaging


Department Sterile Injectable Manufacturing
SOP No. SOP/SIM/094/2025
Supersedes SOP/SIM/094/2022
Page No. Page 1 of 13
Issue Date 18/06/2025
Effective Date 20/06/2025
Review Date 18/06/2026

1. Purpose

This SOP defines the process and controls for GMP-compliant secondary packaging of prefilled syringes, ensuring complete traceability, proper labeling, and tamper-evidence to prevent mix-ups and ensure patient safety.

2. Scope

This procedure applies to the packing operations of prefilled syringes

into secondary packaging such as trays, cartons, and shipper boxes within the sterile packaging area.

3. Responsibilities

  • Packing Operator: Execute packaging activities per instructions.
  • Packaging Supervisor: Oversee operations, issue materials, and maintain documentation.
  • QA Officer: Perform in-process checks and line clearance.

4. Accountability

The Head of Packaging is accountable for ensuring adherence to this SOP and regulatory compliance of all secondary packaging operations.

5. Procedure

5.1 Pre-Packaging Checks

  1. Ensure all equipment is cleaned and status labels are updated.
  2. Obtain line clearance from QA (Annexure-1).
  3. Verify availability of approved batch-specific printed components:
    • Tray Inserts
    • Cartons
    • Labels
    • Shippers

5.2 Tray Loading

  1. Place prefilled syringes into designated sterile trays manually or using semi-automatic machines.
  2. Check that:
    • Syringes face the correct orientation.
    • No overlap or mechanical damage occurs.
  3. Each tray must be labeled with batch number and product name.

5.3 Carton Packing

  1. Assemble labeled trays into secondary cartons according to packaging configuration.
  2. Include any necessary leaflet, IFU (Instructions for Use), or patient information inserts.
  3. Close cartons using tamper-evident sealing tapes.

5.4 Shipper Box Packing

  1. Pack the sealed cartons into labeled shipper boxes.
  2. Each shipper box must carry external labels including:
    • Product Name
    • Batch Number
    • Quantity
    • Storage Conditions
  3. Seal boxes using numbered security tape or strap.

5.5 Reconciliation and Documentation

  1. Record quantities of:
    • Prefilled syringes packed
    • Cartons used
    • Shippers dispatched
  2. Perform reconciliation of packaging components (Annexure-2).
  3. QA to verify reconciliation and sign off.

5.6 Handling of Rejected or Damaged Syringes

  1. Segregate any damaged or leaking syringes.
  2. Record and destroy under QA supervision (Annexure-3).

6. Abbreviations

  • SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
  • QA: Quality Assurance
  • IFU: Instructions for Use
  • GMP: Good Manufacturing Practices

7. Documents

  1. Line Clearance Record – Annexure-1
  2. Packaging Material Reconciliation Sheet – Annexure-2
  3. Damaged Syringe Disposal Log – Annexure-3

8. References

  • WHO TRS 986 Annex 6 – GMP for Pharmaceutical Products
  • 21 CFR 211 – Current Good Manufacturing Practice
  • EU GMP Guidelines – Annex 1

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: Line Clearance Record

Area Cleared By Date Remarks
Secondary Packaging Zone Sunita Reddy 18/06/2025 Clear

Annexure-2: Packaging Material Reconciliation Sheet

Batch No. Cartons Issued Used Returned Rejected Verified By
SYN-PRE-093 5100 5000 90 10 Ravi Nair

Annexure-3: Damaged Syringe Disposal Log

Date Batch No. Quantity Reason Disposed By
18/06/2025 SYN-PRE-093 15 Cracks in barrel Ajay Mehra

Revision History

Revision Date Revision No. Details Reason Approved By
03/03/2022 1.0 Initial SOP New procedure Head QA
18/06/2025 2.0 Incorporated reconciliation and damage log GMP improvement Head QA
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