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COC/COA requirements for imported products
Following communication between PSNC and the Department of Health, there has been an update in the wording for Part VIIIB of the Drug Tariff, effective from 1st January 2012. The update is regarding the sending of a Certificate of Analysis (COA)/ Certificate of Conformity (COC) for non Part VIIIB products. Please see the FAQ below which outlines the changes.
The January 2012 electronic Drug Tariff can now be accessed online on the NHS Prescription Services website.
FAQ. I am finding it very difficult to get hold of a Certificate of Analysis (COA)/ Certificate of Conformity (COC) for an imported product, what should I do?
The Drug Tariff states that for imported unlicensed products not listed in Part VIIIB, the contractor shall make every reasonable effort to obtain a Certificate of Analysis (COA)/ Certificate of Conformity (COC) for each imported product sourced.
However, it also says that where a COA/COC is not available, the contractor must stamp, date, initial and endorse the invoice with the invoice price less discount (where not clearly detailed by the supplier) and the prescriber's details.
At the end of each month, the contractor shall send a copy of the appropriately endorsed COA/COC/invoice to the PCT of the prescriber, allowing the PCT to match expenditure to the special supplied.
To find all the latest guidance on unlicensed specials and imports from PSNC, see the publications database entry by clicking here.
Posted 3 January 2012