New 365-day access licences available to order from May 2025

The primary source for quality control standards 

The European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) is the primary source of official quality standards for medicines and their ingredients in Europe. Ph. Eur. standards provide a legal and scientific basis for the quality control of a product throughout its life cycle, supporting the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare systems.  

As laid down in the Council of Europe Convention on the Elaboration of a European Pharmacopoeia and in European Union and national pharmaceutical legislation, these standards are legally binding. All producers of pharmaceuticals must therefore apply them in order to market their products in the signatory states of the Convention.  

Order a 365-day access licence and stay connected with the Ph. Eur. 


Public health protection 

The Ph. Eur. is compiled and published by the EDQM as part of its obligations under the Convention and its public health protection mission. Scientists, academics, regulatory officials and others working with medicines contribute their expertise to help establish the Ph. Eur. standards that make it possible for millions of people to have access to quality medicines. The European Pharmacopoeia Commission is the decision-making body responsible for adopting Ph. Eur. texts and making technical decisions by consensus.  

Learn more about the European Pharmacopoeia Commission.

Join the Ph. Eur. family to share your expertise: together, we can achieve our vision of better health for all.  


New for the 12th Edition

As of the 12th Edition, the Ph. Eur. will be available in an online-only format 

The previous three-year cycle, which included one edition and eight supplements, is being replaced by an annual edition consisting of three issues. The 12th Edition is therefore composed of Issues 12.1, 12.2, and 12.3. Each issue will contain new and revised texts adopted at one of the three European Pharmacopoeia Commission (EPC) sessions held annually. 

The licence model has also been switched to a user-friendly 365-day licence. 

Useful links

Ph. Eur. Online

Knowledge database

Useful video

How to place an order