GUIDANCE NOTES

FOR INDUSTRY
ON THE
PREPARATION OF
A SITE MASTER FILE

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency

An Executive Agency of the Department of Health
Market Towers, 1 Nine Elms Lane, LONDON, SW8 5NQ

Tel: (+44)020 7084 2000 Fax: (+44)020 7084 273 2638

MHRA Guidance Note 27

INTRODUCTION

The Site Master File (SMF) is prepared by the manufacturer containing specific and factual
GMP information about the production and/or control of pharmaceutical manufacturing
operations carried out at the named site. If only part of a pharmaceutical operation is carried out
on the site, a SMF need only describe those operations eg. analysis, packaging etc. These
guidance notes have been prepared for the manufacturers to prepare the SMF.

A SMF should be succinct, and where possible not more than 25-30 pages long. It is expected
that the SMF will be upgraded and improved upon over the years to both facilitate inspection
and to allow this preliminary work to be completed by companies prior to inspections and at
times of their own choosing.

These guidance notes on SMFs have been laid out in such a manner that each chapter and
paragraph is noted under "REQUIREMENT" followed by "GUIDANCE" which gives details of
how the requirements may be interpreted.

The SMF should be submitted as loose individually numbered A4 sheets. Each sheet should
have an edition number and/or an effective date. Each chapter (1 to 9) should start on a new
sheet so that updates can be provided and the relevant sheets replaced. The format and headings
should follow those given in the guidance notes.

Wherever possible simple plans, outline drawings or schematic layouts should be used instead of
a narrative. These plans etc, should fit on A4 sheets of paper. A deliberate limit has been set on
the length of the narrative. If more detailed information is required, this will be taken up by the
Inspector. Where available, a SMF can be submitted electronically

For small companies, particularly those with a small product range the SMF may well be below
25 pages.

If in doubt companies should contact their local Regional Inspectorate office.

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Requirement SMF Para Ref Application Para Ref

General Information

Brief Information C.1.1 )

Licensable Activities C.1.2 )
Other Activities on Site C.1.3 ) 1-5
Name, address etc C.1.4 )
Types of product C.1.5 5a-13, 16, 17
Use of Contractors C.1.8 14, 15

Specific Information

Personnel C.2.2 20, 21, 22

Equipment C.3.7 18
Description of Storage System C.8.1 26.5, 26.6

Page 3 of 21
 SITE MASTER FILE

REQUIREMENT

C.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

C.1.1 Brief information on the firm (including name and address), relation to other sites and,
particularly, any information relevant to understanding the manufacturing operations.

GUIDANCE

C.1.1 In not more than 250 words (one A4 size) outline the firm's activities, on other sites in
addition to the site which is the subject of this report.

REQUIREMENT

C.1.2 Pharmaceutical manufacturing activities as licensed by the national authority.

GUIDANCE

C.1.2 Quote the relevant document as issued by the Competent Authority. State period of
validity of such a manufacturing licence document.

REQUIREMENT

C.1.3 Any other manufacturing activities carried out on the site.

GUIDANCE

C.1.3 This covers both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical activities.

N.B. Use para C.1.6 for description of the site.

REQUIREMENT

C.1.4 Name and Exact Address of the Site, Including Telephone, Fax and 24 Hrs Telephone
Numbers.

GUIDANCE

C.1.4 Name and Address of Site

C.1.4.1Name of Company (and trading style if different). Postal Address

including Code (street address if different).

C.1.4.2Telephone No. and e-mail address of contact person.

C.1.4.3Fax No. of contact person.

C.1.4.424 hour contact Telephone No.

Page 4 of 21
REQUIREMENT

C.1.5 Type of actual products manufactured on the site and information about specifically toxic
or hazardous substances handled, mentioning the way they are manufactured (in dedicated
facilities or on a campaign basis).

GUIDANCE

C.1.5 Type of Products Manufactured

C.1.5.1 Quote the type of products as described in the Annex.

C.1.5.2 Note any toxic, hazardous or sensitising substances handled e.g. antibiotics,
hormones, cytotoxics. Note whether the products are manufactured in a
dedicated facility or on a campaign basis.

C.1.5.3 State if human and/or veterinary products are both manufactured on the
site.

REQUIREMENT

C.1.6 A Short description of the site

(not more than 250 words/one A4 page).

GUIDANCE

C.1.6 A Short Description of the Site (not more than 250 words/one A4 page).

C.1.6.1 The location and immediate environment.

C.1.6.2 The size of the site, types of buildings, their ages.

REQUIREMENT

C.1.7 Number of employees engaged in production, quality control, storage and distribution.

GUIDANCE

C.1.7 (Note: Include employees working only part-time on full time equivalent basis.)

C.1.7.1 Production

C.1.7.2 Quality Control

C.1.7.3 Quality Assurance

C.1.7.4 Storage and distribution

C.1.7.5 Technical & Engineering Support Services

C.1.7.6 Total of the above.

REQUIREMENT
Page 5 of 21
C.1.8 Use of outside scientific, analytical or other technical assistance in relation to
manufacture and analysis (if so, see chapter 7 for technical details required).

GUIDANCE

C.1.8 For each outside contractor give:

C.1.8.1 Name and address of the company.

C.1.8.2 Telephone No.

C.1.8.3 Fax No.

C.1.8.4 Brief outline of the activity being undertaken in not more than 100
words (half an A4 page).

REQUIREMENT

C.1.9 Short description of the quality management system of the firm responsible for
manufacture.

GUIDANCE

C.1.9 (Not more than 750 words or three A4 pages)

C.1.9.1 State the firm's Quality Policy.

C.1.9.2 Define the responsibility of the Quality Assurance function.

C.1.9.3 Describe the elements of the QA system e.g.

1) organisational structure, responsibilities, procedures,

processes;

2) specifications, test methods, and other quality related data

collection.

C.1.9.4 Describe the audit programmes (self inspection or audits by external

organisations undertaken).

C.1.9.5 Describe how the results are reviewed to demonstrate the adequacy of
the quality system in relation to the objective i.e. quality, efficacy and
safety of the product.

C.1.9.6 Record if standards such as ISO 9001-9004 are used by the company to
assess or audit the quality assurance system within the company, or by
the company to assess its suppliers.

C.1.9.7 When suppliers of critical starting materials and packing materials -

actives, excipients, containers and closures and printed materials are

Page 6 of 21
 assessed, give details of how this is done, e.g. by questionnaires,
preliminary visits, routine audits, selection of suppliers to ISO standards
with or without relevant codes of practice.

REQUIREMENT

C.2 PERSONNEL

C.2.1 Organisation chart showing the arrangements for quality assurance, including
production and quality control.

C.2.2 Qualifications, experience and responsibilities of key personnel.

C.2.3 Outline of arrangements for basic and in-service training and how records are
maintained.

C.2.4 Health requirements for personnel engaged in production.

C.2.5 Personnel hygiene requirements, including clothing.

GUIDANCE

C.2 PERSONNEL (500 words/two A4 pages)

C.2.1 Organisation Chart

C.2.1.1 Organogram for quality assurance including production and quality

control. One diagram for each department. Record senior managers
and supervisors only.

C.2.2 Qualifications, Experience and Responsibilities of Key Personnel

C.2.2.1 Brief details of academic qualifications, work related qualifications and

years relevant experience since qualifying.

C.2.3 Outline of Arrangements for Basic and In-Service Training and Records are
maintained

Give brief details of the training programme and include induction and continuous
training, as follows:

C.2.3.1 Describe how training needs are identified and by whom.

C2.3.2 Give details of training relative to GMP requirements.

C.2.3.3 State the form of training eg in-house, external, and how practical
experience is gained.

C2.3.4 Explain how retraining needs are identified.

C.2.3.5 Give brief details of records kept.

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C.2.4 Health Requirements for Personnel Engaged in Production

C.2.4.1 Who is responsible for checking health of employees?

C.2.4.2 Is there a pre-employment medical examination?

C.2.4.3 Are employees routinely checked from time to time depending on nature
of their work?

C.2.4.4 Is there a system for reporting sickness or contact with sick people
before working in a critical area?

C.2.4.5 Is there a system of reporting back after illness?

C.2.4.6 Are those who work in sterile areas subject to additional monitoring?

C.2.5 Personnel Hygiene Requirements Including Clothing

C.2.5.1 Are there suitable washing, changing and rest areas?

C.2.5.2 Is the clothing suitable for the activity undertaken? Briefly describe the
clothing.

C.2.5.3 Are there clear instructions on how clothing should be used and when it
should be changed? Detailed procedures are not needed.

REQUIREMENT

C.3 Premises

C.3.1 Simple plan or description of manufacturing areas with indication of scale

(architectural or engineering drawings not required).

C.3.2 Nature of construction and finishes.

C.3.3 Brief description of ventilation systems. More details should be given for critical
areas with potential risks of airborne contamination (schematic drawings of the
systems are desirable). Classification of the rooms used for the manufacture of sterile
products should be mentioned. Room classification should be given in accordance
with the grading system outlined in the EC/PIC Guide to GMP.

C.3.4 Special areas for the handling of highly toxic, hazardous and sensitizing materials.

C.3.5 Brief description of water systems (schematic drawings of the systems are desirable),
including sanitation.

C.3.6 Maintenance (description of planned preventative maintenance programmes and

recording system).

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 Equipment

C.3.7 Brief description of major production and control laboratories equipment (a list of
equipment is not required).

C.3.8 Maintenance (description of planned preventative maintenance programmes and

recording system).

C.3.9 Qualification and calibration, including recording system. Arrangements for

computerised systems validation.

Sanitation

C.3.10 Availability of written specifications and procedures for cleaning manufacturing areas
and equipment.

GUIDANCE

C.3 PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

C.3.1 Premises

C.3.1.1 Provide a site plan highlighting production areas.

C.3.1.2 Provide a simple plan of each production area with indication of scale.
Label areas and annotate plan with names.

C.3.1.3 Plans should be legible and on A4 sheets of paper.

C.3.1.4 For sterile product areas indicate room and area classification and
pressure differentials between adjoining areas of different
classifications.

C.3.2 Nature of Construction and Finishes

(500 words/two A4 pages)

C.3.2.1 To reduce narrative for a large complex plant, the details should be
limited to critical areas.

C.3.2.2 These areas must include all processing and packaging areas.

C.3.2.3 A narrative format is preferred.

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C.3.3 Brief Description of Ventilation Systems etc
(500 words/two A4 pages)

Note 1: More details should be given for critical areas with potential risks of
airborne contamination. This will include sterile product areas as well
as areas for processing powders, granulation and tabletting. For sterile
product areas a summary of the results of the most recent
qualification/requalification should be given.

Note 2: To reduce the narrative, schematic drawings should be used.

The following data should be given.

C.3.3.1 Design criteria e.g.

- Specification of the air supply
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Pressure differentials and air change rate
- Simple pass or recirculation (percentage)

C.3.3.2 Filter design and efficiency e.g.

- Bag 99% eff.
- Hepa 99.997% eff.
Details of any alarms on the ventilation system should be given.

C.3.3.3 The limits for changing the filters should be given.

C.3.3.4 If DOP is introduced, the point must be shown.

C.3.3.5 Give the frequency of revalidation of the system.

C3.4 Special Areas for the Handling of Highly Toxic Hazardous and Sensitizing Materials

C.3.4.1 Follow the same layout as C.3.1 above.

C3.5 Brief Description of Water Systems (500 words)

Note: Schematic drawings of the systems are preferred.

The following information should appear:-

C.3.5.1 The schematic drawing back to the mains city supply system.

C.3.5.2 The capacity of the system (maximum quantity produced per hour).

C.3.5.3 Construction materials of the vessels and pipework.

C.3.5.4 Specification of any filters in the system.

C.3.5.5 If water is stored and circulated, the temperature at the point of return.

Page 10 of 21
 C3.5.6 The specification of the water produced
a) chemical
b) conductivity
c) microbiological

C.3.5.7 The sampling points and frequency of sampling.

C.3.6 Maintenance and Servicing of the Air Handling and Water Systems (250 words/one
A4 page)

Note: For the purpose of this guide "maintenance" is carried out by the manufacturer
and "servicing" by an outside contractor.

C.3.6.1 Describe the planned preventative maintenance programme.

C.3.6.2 Are there written procedures and suitable reporting forms for
maintenance and servicing? Do the documents record type/frequency of
services/checks, details of service, repairs and modifications?

C.3.6.3 Are the maintenance routines that could affect product quality clearly
identified?

C.3.6.4 Are the reports made known to the users?

C.3.7 Brief Description of Major Production and Control Laboratory Equipment

Note: Makes and model numbers of equipment are not required however the
following points should be addressed.

C.3.7.1 Is the machinery constructed of appropriate material (e.g. AISI grade

316 stainless steel for product contact equipment)?

C.3.7.2 Have other materials been suitably validated e.g. polypropylene, chrome
plated brass, PVC, non reactive plastic materials?

C.3.7.3 Is the equipment designed with ease of cleaning in mind?

C.3.7.4 Only a general description is required e.g. a rotary tablet press etc. If
the equipment has additional devices, these should be recorded e.g.
automatic weighing machines with printer; a labeller incorporating a
bar code reader for the label; a lot number and expiry date over printer;
a freeze drier equipped with a steam sterilisation facility.

C.3.7.5 In the quality control laboratory only general descriptions such as pH

meters, chromatographic equipment GLC, HPLC with computer
systems, particle size analysers.

C.3.7.6 In microbiology use general descriptions such as incubators

(temperature ranges) facilities for LAL testing, sterility testing etc.

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 C.3.7.7 In particular give brief information on the use of computers,
microprocessors etc. in the factory.

C.3.8 Maintenance and Servicing of Equipment (250 words/one A4 page)

C.3.8.1 Who is responsible for maintenance and servicing?

C.3.8.2 Are there written procedures and contractual details for outside work?

C.3.8.3 Are maintenance routines which could affect product quality clearly
identified?

C.3.8.4 Are records kept of:

1. type and frequency of service/check;
2. details of service repairs and modifications?

C.3.8.5 Are reports made to the users?

C.3.9 Qualification, Validation and Calibration (750 words/three A4 pages)

C.3.9.1 Briefly describe the Company's general policy, and protocols for
qualification, prospective and retrospective validation.

C.3.9.2 Briefly describe the revalidation policy.

C.3.9.3 An outline of process validation may be given here or cross-referenced

to production para 5.4.

C.3.9.4 Describe the system for the release for sale or supply of development and

validation batches.

C.3.9.5 What are the arrangements for computer validation, including software
validation?

C.3.9.6 Describe equipment calibration policy and records kept. (See also para
4.2.9)

C.3.10 Sanitation

Cleaning procedures for manufacturing areas and equipment

(250 words/one A4 page)

C.3.10.1 Are there written specifications and procedures for cleaning, cleaning
agents and their concentration for the method of cleaning and the
frequency?

C.3.10.2 Are cleaning agents changed from time to time?

C.3.10.3 Have the cleaning procedures been validated and what was the method
of evaluating the effectiveness of cleaning?

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 C.3.10.4 Are cleaning methods monitored routinely by chemical and/or
microbiological methods?

C.3.10.5 What are the cleaning methods (and their frequency) for the water supply
system, air handling system and dust extraction system?

REQUIREMENT

C.4 DOCUMENTATION

C.4.1 Arrangements for the preparation, revision and distribution of necessary

documentation for manufacture.

C.4.2 Any other documentation related to product quality which is not mentioned elsewhere
(eg. microbiological controls on air and water).

GUIDANCE

C.4 DOCUMENTATION (500 words/two A4 pages)

Note: This section refers to all documentation used in manufacture, as defined in the
Guide to GMP.

C.4.1 Arrangements for the Preparation and Revision and Distribution of Documentation

C.4.1.1 Is there a description of the documentation system?

C.4.1.2 Who is responsible for the preparation revision and distribution of

documents?

C.4.1.3 Where are the master documents stored?

C.4.1.4 Is there a standard format and instruction of how documents are to be

prepared?

Are there documents for:

1. Product/Process Specifications
2. Raw material specifications
3. Packaging component specifications
4. Standard process instructions including packaging
5. Batch records including packaging
6. Analytical methods
7. QA release procedures.

C.4.1.5 How is the documentation controlled?

C.4.1.6 For how long are documents kept?

C.4.1.7 Detail the arrangements for any electronic or microfilmed records.

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C.4.2 Other Documentation related to Product Quality

Are the following documents available and in use?

C.4.2.1 Equipment specifications

C.4.2.2 Specifications for disposables i.e. cleaning materials

C.4.2.3 Standard operating procedures

C.4.2.4 Quality Control Procedures

C.4.2.5 Training procedures

C.4.2.6 Computer program specifications

C.4.2.7 Documentation control of process deviations

C.4.2.8 Calibration and test documents (see para 3.9.6)

C.4.2.9 Validation documents (see para 3.9)

C.4.2.10 Reconciliation of bathes of raw materials, bulk product, major packing

components ie. product-contact and printed materials.

C.4.3 Additional Documentation

C.4.3.1 List and briefly explain the use of any additional standard documentation
used routinely.

REQUIREMENT

C.5 PRODUCTION

C.5.1 Brief description of production operations using, wherever possible, flow sheets and
charts specifying important parameters.

C.5.2 Arrangements for the handling of starting materials, packaging materials, bulk and
finished products, including sampling, quarantine, release and storage.

C.5.3 Arrangements for the handling of rejected materials and products.

C.5.4 Brief description of general policy for process validation.

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GUIDANCE

C.5 PRODUCTION

This narrative should be kept to a minimum and schematic layouts used where
possible. The following points should be addressed.

C.5.1 Describe the operations capable of being carried out at the site with the existing
facilities and specify the categories of medicinal products. (See Annex for types of
products manufactured).

When packaging only is undertaken, give a brief description only, eg. labelling, filling
etc, and the nature of containers used eg. sachets, tamper evident glass containers.

If cytotoxic or radio-active substances are handled give details of the products.

Describe the production operations using flow charts if possible. Technical details
are not required.

C.5.2 Arrangements for handling Starting Materials, Packaging Materials, Bulk and
Finished Products including Sampling Quarantine Release and Storage

Identification of suppliers lot number with the company's lot number.

Sampling plans.

Status labelling eg. by using labels or by computer.

Issue of materials to manufacture and package.

The control of weighing.

Checking methods.

How is the identity of materials being used for manufacture confirmed?

C.5.2.1 Control of Bulk Manufacture

Checks on key parameters during manufacture eg. blend times, filter

integrity tests.

Records of key parameters.

In process checks.

Records of in-process checks.

Compliance with the Marketing Authorisation.

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 C.5.2.2 Packing

Release of bulk, semi-finished products, packing materials;

Confirmation of identity and line clearance checks;

In process checks.

C.5.2.3 Quarantine and release of finished products; compliance with the

Marketing Authorisation.

C.5.2.4 Explain the role of the Authorised Person(s) and/or Qualified Person(s).

C.5.3 Arrangements for Handling Reject Materials and Products

C.5.3.1 Are reject materials clearly labelled? Are they stored securely in a
dedicated store?

C.5.3.2 Describe arrangements for sentencing the materials and their disposal.
Is destruction recorded?

C.5.4 Brief Description of the General Policy for Process Validation

An outline of process validation protocol only is required. (See para 3.9.3)

REQUIREMENT

C.6 QUALITY CONTROL

C.6.1 Description of the Quality Control system and of the activities of the Quality Control
Department. Procedures for the release of finished products.

GUIDANCE

C.6 QUALITY CONTROL

C.6.1 Activities of the Quality Control Department

C.6.1.1 Briefly describe the activities of analytical testing, packaging, component

testing and microbiological testing.

C.6.1.2 If the review of batch documentation and release of final documentation

takes place in this department, give details (see para 1.9.5).

C.6.1.3 Outline the involvement in the arrangements for the preparation,

revision and distribution of documents in particular those for
specification test methods and release criteria if not mentioned elsewhere
(see also para 1.9 and Chapter 4, Documentation).

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REQUIREMENT

C.7 CONTRACT MANUFACTURE AND ANALYSIS

C.7.1 Description of the way in which the GMP compliance of the contract acceptor is
assessed.

GUIDANCE

C.7 CONTRACT MANUFACTURE AND ANALYSIS

C.7.1 Describe briefly the details of the technical contract between the contract giver and
acceptor and the way in which the GMP compliance is assessed to ensure product
compliance with the Marketing Authorisation.

REQUIREMENT

C.8 DISTRIBUTION, COMPLAINTS AND PRODUCTS RECALL

C.8.1 Arrangements and recording system for distribution.

C.8.2 Arrangements for the handling of complaints and product recalls.

GUIDANCE

C.8 DISTRIBUTION

C.8.1 A Description of Storage and Distribution Practices

C.8.1.1 Is the warehouse secure?

C.8.1.2 Is it environmentally controlled?

C.8.1.3 Is there refrigerated storage?

C.8.1.4 How are the materials stored e.g. pallet racking.

C.8.1.5 How is the status of products controlled e.g. by computer, by label?

C.8.1.6 Is reject material securely isolated?

C.8.1.7 What are the methods of distribution?

C.8.1.8 Does the despatch order ensure first in/first out and identify the lot
number?

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C.8.2 Records of Distribution

Do the retained records permit full batch traceability from the factory to the customer,
in terms of the date of sale, customer details and quantity despatched?

C.8.3 Complaints

C.8.3.1 Who is responsible for:

1. Logging;
2. Classifying;
3. Investigating complaints.

C.8.3.2 Are written reports prepared?

C.8.3.3 Who reviews these reports?

C.8.3.4 For how long are complaints records kept?

C.8.4 Product Recalls

C.8.4.1 Who is responsible for product recalls?

C.8.4.2 Is there a written procedure which describes the sequence of actions to

be followed including:

1. Retrieval of distribution data;

2. Notification to customers;
3. Receipt/segregation/inspection
of returned product;
4. Investigation/reporting of cause;
5. Reporting corrective action.

C.8.4.3 Who notifies the Competent Authority of complaints and recall?

C.8.4.4 Is the Competent Authority involved in complaints and the decision to

recall?

C.8.4.5 Can recalls be effected below wholesale level?

C.8.4.6 List products recalled over the last two years.

If none has been recalled, record - None.

REQUIREMENT

C.9 SELF INSPECTION

C.9.1 Short description of the self inspection programme. (See also para 1.9.4.)

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GUIDANCE

C.9.1 Describe how the self inspection system verifies that those activities that have a
bearing on quality comply with the planned arrangement.

C.9.2 Are the quality systems effective?

C.9.3 Are there documented procedures for the self inspection system and for the follow-up
actions?

C.9.4 Are the results of the self inspection system documented, brought to the attention of
the personnel having responsibility for the area and activities inspected?

C.9.5 Does the system ensure that those responsible for the area or activity take timely
corrective action on the deficiencies found?

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LIST OF PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED

referred to in Paragraph C.1.5.1

A. Sterile Products

A.1 Liquid dosage forms (LVP - Large Volume Parenterals)

A.1.1 Aseptically prepared

A.1.2 Terminally sterilized

A.2 Liquid dosage forms (SVP - Small Volume Parenterals)

A.2.1 Aseptically prepared

A.2.2 Terminally sterilized

A.2.3 Eye drops

A.3 Semi-solid dosage forms

A.4 Solid dosage forms

A.4.1 Solid fill

A.4.2 Freeze-dried

B. Non-sterile Products

B.1 Liquid dosage forms

B.2 Semi-solid dosage forms

B.3 Solid dosage forms

B.3.1 Unit dose form (eg. tablets, capsules, suppositories, pessaries)

B.3.2 Multi dose form (eg. powders, granules)

C. Biological Products

C.1 Vaccines

C.2 Sera

C.3 Blood products

C.4 Other: eg. hormones, enzymes of human or animal origin, genetically engineered
products.

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D. Specifically Toxic and Hazardous Substances

D.1 Penicillins

D.2 Cephalosporins

D.3 Hormones

D.4 Cytostatics

D.5 Others (describe)

E. Packaging Only

E.1 Liquid dosage form

E.2 Semi-solid dosage form

E.3 Solid dosage form

F. Contract Manufacturing (Kind of Products)

Company reported upon is:

F.1 Acceptor

F.2 Giver

G. Contract Analysis

Company reported upon is:

G.1 Acceptor

G.2 Giver

H. Drugs for Clinical Trials

I. Others

(e.g. veterinary products, cosmetics, confectionery etc.)

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