Wholesale Drug Distributors in Washington

Washington requires wholesale drug distributor licenses for entities distributing prescription drugs within or into the state. The Washington State Department of Health, Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (PQAC) administers licensing under RCW 18.64 and WAC 246-945. Both resident and non-resident distributors shipping into Washington must hold active licenses before conducting wholesale pharmaceutical transactions.

The Washington State Department of Health, Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission (PQAC) regulates wholesale drug distributors. PQAC operates under statutory authority granted by RCW 18.64 (Washington State Pharmacy Practice Act) and RCW 18.64.046 (wholesale drug distributor licenses specifically). Administrative regulations governing operations appear in WAC 246-945-350 through 246-945-365. Distributors handling controlled substances must also comply with RCW 69.50 (Uniform Controlled Substances Act) and maintain separate DEA registration.

Website: https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/pharmacy-commission

Washington requires wholesale drug distributor licenses for:

The following entities are typically exempt from Washington wholesale distributor licensing:

Exemptions carry specific conditions. Entities relying on an exemption should verify applicability with PQAC.

Washington wholesale drug distributor license applications require:

Facilities may be subject to pre-licensing inspection by PQAC. Out-of-state facilities may submit inspection reports from their home state or arrange inspection by Washington inspectors.

1. Create SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account: Establish an online account through the Department of Health licensing portal at https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/hpqa1/hps6/pharmacy/