Today’s guide covers everything you need to know about medical logistics and temperature-controlled healthcare transportation. It includes regulatory compliance, customs documentation, and guidance on selecting the right logistics provider.
Table of Contents:
What is healthcare logistics?
Healthcare logistics refers to the planning, execution, and control of the transportation and storage of medical-related goods under strict regulatory and quality requirements.
Unlike general cargo, healthcare shipments require:
- Strict temperature control
- Regulatory compliance
- Real-time monitoring
- Risk management throughout transit
Even minor mistakes during transport or customs clearance can result in shipment delays, fines, or product rejection. Therefore, professional healthcare logistics focuses on reliability, traceability, and precision at every stage of the process.
Types of temperature-controlled healthcare cargo
Healthcare logistics covers a wide range of medical products, each with specific temperature and regulatory requirements.
Pharmaceuticals
Most pharmaceutical products must be transported within strict temperature ranges, commonly 2–8°C or 15–25°C. Stability, regulatory documentation, and batch traceability are critical.
Vaccines and biologics
Vaccines and biologics require highly controlled cold chain shipping. Even minor temperature deviations may result in product loss. Additionally, these shipments are often subject to enhanced customs inspections and regulatory oversight in many countries.
Medical devices
Many medical devices fall under regulated medical product categories, particularly diagnostic equipment and implantable devices. Controlled environments, accurate documentation, and compliant handling are essential. It is where a reliable medical device 3PL plays a key role in ensuring proper transportation and customs clearance.
Clinical trial materials
Clinical trial materials demand precise delivery schedules, regulatory approvals, and validated cold chain solutions. High visibility, real-time tracking, and risk management are critical to meeting strict trial timelines and regulatory requirements.
To manage these requirements effectively, many pharmaceutical companies rely on experienced logistics providers with dedicated cold chain capabilities. ASLG, a leading freight forwarder in China, offers pharmaceutical and healthcare logistics services for temperature-sensitive medical shipments from China to international markets. We provide climate controlled shipping, compliance support, and complete visibility throughout the process.
Standard temperature ranges in medical logistics
- Frozen: below -20°C (At ASLG, we support -70°C)
- Refrigerated: 2–8°C
- Controlled Room Temperature (CRT): 15–25°C
Additionally, temperature data loggers and validated packaging are commonly required by regulators.
Key global regulations governing healthcare logistics
GDP and GMP compliance
Good Distribution Practice (GDP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) are fundamental standards governing pharmaceutical and healthcare logistics.
GDP focuses on maintaining product quality during:
- Storage and warehousing
- Transportation and delivery
- Temperature monitoring and documentation
- Batch traceability and recall readiness
GMP ensures products are manufactured and handled under controlled conditions that meet quality standards.
IATA dangerous goods regulations (Air freight)
Many healthcare shipments transported by air fall under the IATA DGR.
Common examples include:
- Dry ice (UN1845) is used for temperature control
- Lithium batteries inside medical devices
- Specific diagnostic reagents and chemical substances
These shipments require:
- Proper classification and labeling
- Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods
- Trained and certified handling personnel
Without correct DGR compliance, air carriers may refuse the cargo entirely.
FDA and EMA regulatory requirements
Healthcare shipments to major markets are subject to additional regulatory oversight.
United States (FDA):
- FDA Prior Notice for Pharmaceutical Products
- Medical device establishment registration and listing
- Accurate labeling and Importer of Record (IOR) information
European Union/UK (EMA & MHRA):
- CE marking documentation
- EU Declaration of Conformity
- GDP-compliant transport records
Country-specific regulations and customs compliance
Regulatory requirements vary significantly by destination country. It is where professional guidance becomes essential.
ASLG provides a one-stop pharmaceutical logistics solution, covering:
- Temperature-controlled transportation
- Regulatory documentation support
- Dangerous goods compliance
- Seamless customs clearance coordination
By integrating logistics and compliance management, ASLG helps reduce clearance delays, minimize regulatory risks, and ensure medical shipments move smoothly from China.
Customs clearance documents for healthcare shipments
Most international medical shipments require the following:
Commercial invoice
Must include product description, HS code, value, and intended medical use.
Packing list
Details packaging type, weight, dimensions, and temperature requirements.
Air Waybill or Bill of Lading
Indicates transport mode and shipment routing.
Certificate of Origin
Often required for preferential tariffs or regulatory review.
Product datasheet/specification
Used by customs authorities to verify medical classification.
Mandatory for products using dry ice, chemicals, or batteries.
Temperature control declaration
Required for many pharmaceutical and vaccine shipments.
Temperature-controlled transportation solutions
Air freight
Best for urgent, high-value healthcare shipments. Requires coordination with airlines approved for medical cargo.
Ocean freight
Ideal for large-volume shipments using reefer containers with stable temperature control.
Special containers and dangerous goods
Healthcare logistics often include:
- Special temperature-controlled containers
- Oversized medical equipment
- Dangerous goods shipments under IATA and IMDG rules
- Proper documentation and trained handling are essential.
How to choose the right healthcare logistics partner in China
When exporting medical products from China, your logistics partner should offer:
- Proven healthcare logistics experience
- Expertise in customs clearance and documentation
- Cold chain and GDP compliance capabilities
- Ability to handle general cargo, oversized cargo, special containers, and dangerous goods
Additionally, clear communication, real-time tracking, and proactive compliance support are essential to ensuring smooth operations and minimizing risks during transit.
Conclusion: Comprehensive healthcare logistics solution
ASLG offers an integrated solution for pharmaceutical logistics, combining cold chain expertise, seamless customs clearance, and end-to-end visibility. Whether you are shipping pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or biologics, working with us ensures your cargo moves efficiently across borders with full regulatory compliance.
