4.1 Application of the approach described within this guide applies risk-based concepts and principles introduced in ICH Q9. As stated in ICH Q9, the level of effort, formality and documentation for cleaning should also be commensurate with the level of risk.

4.2 Application of the approach described within this guide applies many of the science-based, risk-based, and statistical concepts and principles introduced in the FDA’s Guidance for Industry Process Validation: General Principles and Practices (3).

4.3 This guide supports, and is consistent with, elements from ICH Q8, ICH Q9, ICH Q10, and ICH Q11.

4.4 Key Concepts—This guide applies the following key concepts: (1) quality risk management, (2) science-based approach, (3) statistics-based approach, (4) process understanding, and (5) continued improvement as described in the ICH Q series.

1.1 This guide applies the life-cycle approach to cleaning process validation, which includes the development, qualification, and verification of cleaning processes. It is applicable to pharmaceuticals (including active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs); dosage forms; and over-the-counter, veterinary, biologics, and clinical supplies) and is also applicable to other health, cosmetics, and consumer products.

1.2 This guide is focused only on the cleaning of equipment product contact surfaces and does not cover disinfection or non-product contact surfaces (which are covered under other existing guides: Ref (1),2 USP <1072>, Guide E2614, and ISO 14698).

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.