Pharmaceutical transport: The Importance of the Pharma Package

In 2024, the European pharmaceutical sector reached €313.4 billion in exports and €119.7 billion in imports, continuing nearly a decade of steady growth. Meanwhile, the global pharmaceutical transportation market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 7.71% between 2025 and 2030. This growth is mainly driven by increasing demand for temperature-sensitive biologics, vaccines, and gene and cell therapies, as well as essential medicines for Europe’s aging population.

After the pandemic, the EU identified weaknesses in how medicine shortages are managed and in its reliance on non-EU countries for active ingredients. This led to a unified regulatory response: the EU Pharma Package, introduced on June 4, 2025. This reform aims to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of the European pharmaceutical sector, affecting everything from development to distribution. It includes a regulation on authorization and supervision of medicinal products and a directive establishing the Union code for medicines, with full implementation expected by 2029.

The new framework will reshape how medicines are developed, regulated, and distributed, establishing higher standards for safety, traceability, and sustainability. For pharma logistics, this means stricter requirements for vehicles, storage, shipment monitoring, and temperature control, as around 80% of pharmaceutical products require temperature-controlled transport.

The pressure from the pharma sector is matched by rapid technological advances: sensors, AI, automation, and cloud-based solutions are creating digital ecosystems that improve visibility, reduce human error, and optimise routes and risk management. Real-time transparency will be essential; customers will increasingly expect precise data on temperature, location, and transport conditions.

Sustainability has also become a major priority. The EU Pharma Package pushes for greener practices: energy-efficient vehicles, optimized route planning, and emissions tracking (including Scope 3). These measures are no longer optional but a baseline requirement to remain compliant with GDP standards (Good Distribution Practice).

In this context, CtrlChain plays a key role by providing a system that connects shippers and carriers to manage pharmaceutical transportation efficiently, transparently, and with full traceability. Its digital-first approach enables real-time monitoring of shipment conditions, ensuring compliance with temperature and safety requirements under EU regulations. Moreover, CtrlChain’s commitment to sustainability helps reduce emissions and optimize routes, supporting a more resilient and responsible pharmaceutical supply chain.

In summary, the future of Europe’s pharmaceutical supply chain will be defined by regulation, technology, and sustainability. Logistics providers that invest in digitalisation, traceability, and green practices will not only meet new compliance standards but also lead the transition toward a safer, more transparent, and resilient system.