How to Register a Pharmacy Business in the United Kingdom

Are you studying pharmacy and thinking of launching your own pharma business in the United Kingdom? If you do, this article is for you. This post will present the requirements to register a pharmacy and the steps to take during that process. 

Starting a business involves planning, market research, funding, and other operational steps. Pharmacy business is no different from that, but in this article, we will focus on the legal and regulatory elements needed to satisfy to register and operate a pharmacy business in the United Kingdom.

Requirements to register a pharmacy business

The first step to starting a pharmacy business is to obtain registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). This is mandatory for operating a pharmacy in the UK as the GPhC is the official regulatory body. Before starting the process, you must ensure that your premises comply with the GPhC Standards for Registered Pharmacies, which cover: Governance, Staffing, Premises environment, Equipment, Privacy and confidentiality of patients.

The premises must be registered with the GPhC and meet specific regulatory standards. The premises must be suitable for the safe and effective provision of pharmacy services. This includes:

·       Adequate space for dispensing, storage, and consultation.

·       Secure storage for controlled drugs.

·       A private consultation area for confidential discussions with patients.

If you are not a registered pharmacist, you must appoint a superintendent pharmacist, who will be responsible for overseeing the pharmacy’s professional standards. Below are the steps for premises registration.

Application Steps for Premises Registration

Appoint a Superintendent Pharmacist

Ensure that you have appointed a registered pharmacist as your superintendent. They will oversee the pharmacy’s compliance with regulations. A superintendent is someone responsible for the management and administration of medicines in a pharmacy.

Ensure your pharmacy premises meet the GPhC's physical and operational requirements before applying.

Complete the Application Form:

Fill out the pharmacy premises registration form available on the GPhC website. This form requires information about:

·       The pharmacy's address and layout.

·       The superintendent pharmacist.

·       The ownership structure of the pharmacy (e.g., sole trader, partnership, limited company).

Submit Supporting Documents

Submit relevant documents such as:

• Floor plans of the premises.
• Health and safety certifications.
• Details of the superintendent pharmacist.

Pay the Registration Fee

1. Inspection:

The GPhC may conduct an inspection of the premises before granting registration. They will check that the pharmacy meets all required standards.

3. Receive Premises Registration:

Once your application is approved and the premises have passed inspection, you will receive a GPhC certificate of registration, and the pharmacy can begin operating.

4. Annual Renewal:

Like pharmacist registration, premises registration must be renewed annually, with the submission of a declaration of compliance and payment of a renewal fee.

Application processing time

Our usual processing time is up to 90 days from the date of receiving your complete application. Your application may be delayed if we do not receive your fee payment promptly, or all supporting documents. 

Important: You must not open the pharmacy to sell or supply pharmacy (P) medicines or prescription only medicines (POMs) until you have been notified by the premises team that your pharmacy has been registered or you have checked yourself that your pharmacy appears on the online register.

Operating an online pharmacy

If you plan to operate a pharmacy service over the internet, you will need to show how you propose to meet our guidance for registered pharmacies providing pharmacy services at a distance, including on the internet by completing section 6 of this notification form.

Important: You must have a fully functioning live website available when submitting your application to show how you propose to meet our guidance when your service does go live. Unless this is available we will be unable to assess your application.

You can apply for the GPhC voluntary internet pharmacy logo, to display on your pharmacy website.

Requirements of the website associated with your pharmacy

You will need to show that this website will display:

a) your name as the owner of the registered pharmacy

b) the name of the superintendent pharmacist (if applicable) and their registration number

c) the name and address of the pharmacy or pharmacies that supply the medicines

d) the pharmacy’s GPhC registration number

e)  the phone number and email address of the pharmacy

f)  details of other pharmacies that may be involved in the labelling and assembling if different to the pharmacy that makes the supply

g) information about how to check the registration status of the pharmacy and the superintendent pharmacist if you have one

h)     your terms and conditions

i)        ways to give feedback and your complaints procedure

Becoming a Pharmacist

To become a registered pharmacist, you have to register with the GPhC.

Requirements to Register as a Pharmacist

To become a registered pharmacist with the GPhC, you must meet certain educational, training, and fitness-to-practice requirements:

Educational Requirements

To become a pharmacist, you need to complete a MPharm degree (Master of Pharmacy) from a GPhC-accredited university in the UK or an equivalent qualification recognized by the GPhC if trained abroad.

Pre-Registration Training

Complete a 52-week pre-registration training period in a GPhC-approved training site (usually in a community or hospital pharmacy).

During this period, you will develop practical skills under the supervision of a tutor (a registered pharmacist).

Pass the Registration Assessment Exam

After completing pre-registration training, you must pass the GPhC Registration Assessment. This exam assesses your knowledge of pharmacy practice and the application of that knowledge.

English Language Proficiency

If your pharmacy degree was not taught in English, you will need to demonstrate English language proficiency, typically through an IELTS or OET exam.

Fitness to Practice

You must be fit to practice, meaning you meet the professional, health, and character standards required for pharmacists.

Criminal Record Check

Submit a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (or equivalent) to show you have no criminal record that would affect your ability to practice.

Application Steps for Pharmacist Registration can be made online by creating an account through the GPhC’s website and completing the application form.

Pay the Registration Fee

The fee for initial pharmacist registration is around £365 (subject to changes). This covers the cost of processing your application and maintaining your registration.

Assessment and Decision

The GPhC will assess your application, and if all requirements are met, you will be added to the GPhC register as a pharmacist.

Annual Renewal

Registration needs to be renewed annually by paying a fee and submitting a declaration that you continue to meet the fitness-to-practice standards.