Many pharmaceutical products, including vaccines, biologics, and certain medications, require strict temperature control throughout the supply chain. This involves using refrigerated storage and transport, known as cold chain logistics, to maintain product integrity and efficacy.

The healthcare and pharmaceutical industries are among the most heavily regulated. Logistics operations must comply with numerous local and international regulations, including those related to product handling, transportation, storage conditions, and traceability.

Due to the high value and sensitivity of pharmaceutical products, security is paramount. Logistics providers must implement stringent security protocols to prevent theft, tampering, and counterfeiting. This includes secured transportation, tamper-evident packaging, and controlled access to storage areas.

Pharmaceuticals often have strict expiry dates, requiring meticulous inventory management to ensure that products are distributed and used before they expire. This involves first-expiry-first-out (FEFO) inventory systems and careful coordination to minimize waste.

Timely delivery is crucial, particularly for urgent medical supplies, medications needed for ongoing treatments, and newly launched pharmaceutical products. Logistics providers must offer reliable and rapid transportation solutions to meet these critical timelines.

Some healthcare products require special handling procedures, such as protection from light, vibration, or humidity. Logistics operations must be equipped to handle these special needs with appropriate packaging and transport methods.

The ability to manage returns efficiently is particularly important in healthcare and pharma logistics due to the potential need to recall products. Effective reverse logistics ensure that recalled or unused products are handled safely and in compliance with health regulations.

Many pharmaceuticals are manufactured in one country and used globally. International logistics must manage the complexities of cross-border transportation, including customs clearance, import/export regulations, and international shipping methods.

There is increasing pressure on the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries to reduce their environmental impact. This includes initiatives to minimize waste in packaging, optimize delivery routes to reduce carbon emissions, and employ sustainable practices in warehousing and distribution.