Pharmaceutical supply chains continue to be disrupted by a range of geopolitical factors, including global conflict, economic uncertainty, and especially the imposition of tariffs.
GlobalData polling finds that 57% of business professionals are ‘very concerned’ about the potential impact of tariffs on their business.[i] For pharma companies, navigating customs is already a significant enough challenge, with time- and temperature-sensitive materials needing to cross borders in accordance with regulatory requirements. Failure to comply can result in damaged goods and even hefty fines.
As ongoing supply chain disruption complicates customs further, specialised pharma logistics providers are more essential than ever. Their dedicated customs teams can help businesses navigate the most complex logistics challenges while ensuring critical pharma shipments are delivered securely and on schedule.
Prioritising complex regulatory requirements
A confusing and time-consuming challenge, pharma companies nevertheless cannot afford to neglect customs processes. All pharma shipments must meet strict regulatory requirements that vary significantly between countries, for example Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines, which are enforced by entities such as the FDA in the US. Failure to comply with this lengthy tax, accounting, legal, and compliance paperwork can result in shipments being held at border, or even the imposition of fine. These outcomes ultimately harm a business’ revenue and prevent critical pharma materials from reaching the patients who need them.
Further complicating customs is the rising volume of time- and temperature-sensitive products on the market. In the coming years, cell and gene therapies (CGTs) are set to become essential to the treatment of cancer, Alzheimer’s, haematological disorders, and other prevalent diseases. But the therapies often need to be stored at cryogenic temperatures throughout transportation or else they will be spoiled. Delays at the border due to customs, which can imperil the integrity of these life-saving drugs, are to be avoided at all costs.
Geopolitical fluctuations impeding customs processes
However, customs procedures are only growing more challenging as supply chains worldwide fracture. Geopolitical events continue to disrupt shipping routes, making contingency plans vital to ensure products reach their intended destination on time. The complexity of customs regulations also means lead times for shipping protract, which can have a negative impact on clinical trials and product availability.
Tariffs and trade disputes are further compounding this challenge, affecting the cost structure of pharma businesses. Rapidly adjusting to sudden shifts in trade policy is extremely challenging, requiring significant time and investment that stretches pharma companies onto even thinner operating margins. Not only do tariffs complicate the process of working with suppliers abroad and obtaining regulatory approval, but they can saddle the pharma industry with higher costs that they are unable to pass on to consumers.
How expert logistics providers help
Developing contingency plans and preparing for different supply chain challenges is key to staying proactive rather than reactive in the face of geopolitical turbulence. Specialised pharma logistics providers can help pharma companies develop robust strategies to manage these complexities effectively. Their customs knowledge provides the intangible advantage that can only gained by regularly overseeing cross-border shipments and knowing global regulations and supply chains inside-out.
With half a century of industry experience, World Courier’s unmatched expertise has helped its clients surmount a variety of intricate supply chain challenges. With more than 4,000 employees in over 50 countries, the logistics specialists are uniquely equipped to maintain a global outlook even amid a changeable worldwide ecosystem. Navigating customs complexities to ensure the timely and secure delivery of pharma shipments is just one area of expertise, which also include regulatory contingencies, packaging for specific temperatures, and working around challenging regional infrastructure.
As geopolitics continues to create supply chain difficulties, customs can prove a costly obstacle for pharma businesses if approached incorrectly. Partnering with World Courier can simplify the process so that critical pharma deliveries cross borders on time and on budget. To learn more, download the free whitepaper below.
[i] GlobalData, Strategic Intelligence: Tariffs Sentiment Polls – April 2025
