Which supply chain entity is responsible for verifying the authorization of trading partners?

• A. Pharmacy
• B. Manufacturer
• C. Wholesaler
• D. Pharmacy, Manufacturer, and Wholesaler

Answer: (D)

In the pharmaceutical supply chain, verifying that trading partners are authorized is a shared duty among all participants. Pharmacists, manufacturers, and wholesalers all have to confirm that the entities they transact with are properly licensed and authorized to participate in the distribution network. This protects patient safety by helping prevent counterfeit or diverted products from entering the chain and ensures compliance with regulatory standards like DSCSA. Practically, a pharmacy should verify that its distributors or manufacturers are authorized to supply them; a manufacturer should verify that its distributors and customers are legitimate partners; and a wholesaler should confirm that the pharmacies and manufacturers it deals with are authorized. Because any link in the chain could be exploited if verification is lax, responsibility sits with all three entities.