Prequalification of cold chain-related products under the PQS system - Guidelines for manufacturers of cold rooms and freezer rooms. E001/ GUIDE 1.2

The document pertains to the "Pre-qualification of cold chain-related products under the PQS system" and provides guidelines specifically for manufacturers of cold rooms and freezer rooms. Introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO), this guide is part of a series detailing the application process for the pre-qualification of cold chain-related products intended for procurement by United Nations (UN) agencies, and a reference guide for other procurement agencies.

The guide elaborates on the PQS (Performance, Quality, Safety) system, which is an evolution of the earlier PIS (Product Information Sheets) system. The PQS system aims to ensure that products conform to WHO's performance specifications. The document covers various categories of equipment, including cold rooms, freezers, insulated containers, temperature monitoring devices, and more.

The background section emphasizes the role of the QSS group within WHO's Department of Immunization, Vaccines, and Biologicals in providing technical advice to ensure a reliable cold chain for global immunization programs. The procedural guide section offers a step-by-step overview of the PQS system, explaining the pre-qualification process, application procedures, dossier preparation, fees, evaluation processes, and maintaining pre-qualified status.

In essence, this guide serves as a comprehensive manual for manufacturers aiming to get their cold chain-related products pre-qualified under the WHO's PQS system.