Wholesale Drug Distributors in Arizona

Wholesale drug distributors operating in Arizona must obtain a permit from the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy before distributing prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, or controlled substances in or into the state. Both resident and nonresident distributors are subject to facility inspection, designated representative requirements, and a $100,000 surety bond under Arizona Revised Statutes Title 32, Chapter 18.

The Arizona State Board of Pharmacy (AZ BOP) administers wholesale drug distributor permits under A.R.S. Title 32, Chapter 18 and Arizona Administrative Code Title 4, Chapter 23, Article 6. Key statutory sections include:

Board contact: 1110 W. Washington St., Suite 260, Phoenix, AZ 85007 | 602-771-2727 | pharmacy.az.gov

Arizona requires separate permits for the following entity types:

All of the above resident requirements, plus:

Per A.R.S. Section 32-1982(B) and (C), each full-service wholesale permittee must designate a representative who:

1. Employed full time for at least 3 years in a pharmacy or with a full-service wholesale permittee in a role related to dispensing and distribution of prescription or OTC drugs/devices, OR

2. Employed full time for at least 2 years as a pharmacist-in-charge of a pharmacy, OR 1 year with a full-service wholesale permittee in a managerial position related to drug distribution

A pharmacist license is not required for designated representatives. Non-pharmacists can qualify via Option 1 (3 years of relevant experience).