Intergovernmental Committees
The EDQM has responsibility for five intergovernmental steering committees (Council of Europe intergovernmental committees) and three intergovernmental committees reporting to the CD-P-PH. Their members represent the national competent authorities of the governments of the States Parties to the Convention on the Elaboration of a European Pharmacopoeia, with relevant competencies and experiences in the field of work of each committee.
In view of its mission to contribute to public health protection by engaging with an international community of experts and stakeholders, the EDQM enables the development, supports the implementation and monitors the application of quality standards for safe medicines, health products and consumer products and their safe use, in addition to monitoring related practices in member states.
Its standards are recognised as a scientific benchmark and are applied worldwide. The EDQM’s role as secretariat for intergovernmental committees is governed by Committee of Ministers Resolution CM/Res(2021)3 on intergovernmental committees and subordinate bodies, their terms of reference and working methods.
European Committee on Blood Transfusion (CD-P-TS)
Oversees and co-ordinates the Council of Europe’s work in the field of blood transfusion. Addresses ethical, legal and organisational issues, promoting voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation, mutual assistance, optimal use of blood and blood components and the protection of donors and recipients. Collects international data and monitors practices in Europe.
European Committee on Organs, Tissues and Cells (CD-P-TO)
Oversees and co-ordinates the Council of Europe’s work in the field of transplantation and human application of organs, tissues and cells of human origin. Supports member states in the development of ethical, safe and efficient donation and transplantation services promoting voluntary, non-remunerated donation. Contributes to the fight against organ trafficking.
European Committee for Cosmetics and Consumer Health (CD-P-COS)
Develops common European quality and safety requirements for cosmetic products to respond to health risks posed by the use of specific ingredients with pharmacological or toxic effects. Support market surveillance through the Network of Official Cosmetics Control Laboratories (OCCLs). Supports national authorities and ink manufacturers in the field of risk assessment for tattoos and permanent make-up.
European Committee for Food Contact Materials and Articles (CD-P-MCA)
Food contact materials and articles
Contributes to consumer health protection by setting standards and developing policies for the safety and quality of food contact materials and articles. Publishes technical guides used as reference documents by manufacturers and other business operators, safety evaluators and control laboratories.
European Committee on Pharmaceuticals and Pharmaceutical Care (CD-P-PH)
Contributes to improving public health and access to good quality medicines and healthcare in Europe by promoting harmonisation of the classification of medicines for use with or without medical prescription, developing harmonised standards for the appropriate use of medicines and promoting pharmaceutical care, and contributing to minimising falsification of medical products. Supports the European Pharmacopoeia Commission in the elaboration of the European Paediatric Formulary and the European Drug Shortages Formulary.
Committee of Experts on the Classification of Medicines as Regards their Supply (CD-P-PH/PHO)
Reviews national legal supply status of human medicines and issues classification and supply recommendations to health authorities in Europe. Compiles evidence-based classification reviews for non-harmonised medicines of public health interest. Maintains and improves the Melclass database containing the CD-P-PH/PHO’s recommendations on the classification of medicines, and national information about the classification status and supply conditions of medicines in member States.
Committee of Experts on Quality and Safety Standards in Pharmaceutical Practices and Pharmaceutical Care (CD-P-PH/PC)
Develops activities to improve public healthcare in Europe by promoting pharmaceutical knowledge, values, and practices. Issues guidance on safe medicine use, supports patient-centred care, and fosters interprofessional collaboration. Advances appropriate use of medicines in hospital and community pharmacy settings.
Committee of Experts on minimising the public health risks posed by falsified medical products and related crimes CD-P-PH/CMED
Develops and promotes multisectoral strategies to prevent and manage risks from falsified medical products. Supports cooperation through networking models, provides risk communication tools, and adapts programmes to evolving crime patterns. Encourages legal instrument implementation and develops tools for information exchange on prevention, management, and follow-up of falsification crimes involving healthcare products.