Contents

SUBCHAPTER 410 - DEALER RELATIONS

410.01 - Dealer Definition and Good Will

For sample collection purposes, the dealer is the person, firm (which could include the manufacturer), institution or other party, who has possession of a particular lot of goods. The dealer does not have to be a firm or company, which is in the business of buying or selling goods. The dealer might be a housewife in her home, a physician, or a public agency; these dealers obtain products to use but not to sell. The dealer may be a party who does not own the goods, but has possession of them, such as a public storage warehouse or transportation agency.

Rapport with the dealer is important to the success of your objective. All dealers, including hostile ones, should be approached in a friendly manner and treated with fairness, honesty, courtesy and consideration. A dealer may be called as a Government witness in a court case, and a favorable attitude on his/her part is to be sought. Never use strong-arm tactics or deception, but rather be professional and demonstrate diplomacy, tact, and persuasion. Do not make unreasonable demands.

Introduce yourself to the dealer by name, title and organization; present your credentials for examination, and, if appropriate, issue an FDA 482, Notice of Inspection. See IOM 401.02, 411, 501 and 511. Explain the purpose of your visit. Be prepared to answer the dealer's questions and attempt to relieve any apprehensions, at the same time being careful not to reveal any confidential information. Do not disparage the product, its manufacturer, or shipper. Do not reveal the particular violation suspected unless the dealer is responsible, or unless you ask him/her to voluntarily hold the goods. The very fact we are collecting a sample is often reason enough to arouse the dealer's suspicions about the legality of the product.

410.02 - Dealer Objection to Sampling Procedure

If the dealer objects to your proposed sampling technique, attempt to reach a reasonable compromise on a method that will provide a satisfactory, though perhaps not ideal, sample. Assure the dealer you will make every effort to restore the lot to its original state, you are prepared to purchase a whole unit to avoid leaving broken cases, and we will reimburse him/her for additional labor costs incurred as a result of sampling. See IOM 416. If a reasonable compromise cannot be reached, proceed as a refusal to permit sampling.

410.03 - Refusal to Permit Sampling

A challenge of FDA authority to collect samples may be raised by a dealer who, for varied reasons, both personal and professional opposes the activities of the agency, or of governmental units in general.

Refusals to permit sample collection commonly emerge unless you can identify a section of the law which specifically authorizes it. The suggested approach for dealing with these individuals is to use patient, tactful persuasion, pointing out that the sample is a part of the investigations authorized in Section 702(b) of the FD & C Act [21 U.S.C. 372(b)]. If you have not already done so, issue an FDA 482 - Notice of Inspection as soon as it becomes apparent the dealer will continue to object. Point out and discuss the authorities provided by FD & C Act sections 702(a), 702(b), 704(a), 704(c), 704(d) [21 U.S.C. 372(a),(b), 374(a), (c), (d)] and the precedent case mentioned in IOM 701.01. If refusal persists, point out the criminal prohibitions of Section 301(f) of the FD & C Act [21 U.S.C. 331(f)].

If samples are still refused, leave the premises and contact your supervisor immediately. Refer to IOM 514 and Compliance Policy Guide manual section 130.100 for further discussions on resolving the impasse.

411 - NOTICE OF INSPECTION

See IOM 401.02, 501 and 511.

Each time you issue an FDA 482, Notice of Inspection, and subsequently collect a sample, issue the appropriate sample receipt (FDA 472 - Carriers Receipt for Samples or FDA 484 -Receipt for Samples).

411.01 - Dealer Responsible For Condition of Lot

An FDA 482 should be issued before collecting samples from firms, carriers, or individuals whom FDA can take regulatory action against for the violative condition of the lot. See IOM 401.01. When in doubt, issue a Notice of Inspection. If there is no EIR, attach a copy of the FDA 482 to the printed FACTS Collection Record. See IOM 439.09.

411.02 - Refusals

See IOM 410.02. An FDA 482 must be issued in all sample refusal situations to invoke the applicable provisions of the FD&C Act. The copy of the FDA 482 is to accompany the EIR; a memorandum outlining the facts of the refusal if no EIR is prepared.

411.03 - Carrier In-transit Sampling

Caution: See IOM 424 for conditions, which must be met before collecting in-transit samples from common carriers.

When collecting samples from in-transit lots in possession of a commercial carrier, and the only regulatory sanctions possible are against the product itself or parties other than the carrier (e.g., manufacturer, shipper, etc.), furnish the carrier or his agent an FDA 482 modified to read "Notice of Inspection to Collect Samples Only...". See exhibit 510-A2. Attach a copy to the printed copy of the FACTS Collection Record. See IOM 439.09.

411.04 - Dealer Requests Notice of Inspection

When inspecting a dealer, and an FDA 482 does not need to be issued, but the dealer requests a Notice of Inspection, issue an FDA 482 modified to read "Notice of Inspection to Collect Samples Only..." See Exhibit 510-B. Attach a copy to the printed FACTS Collection Record. See IOM 439.09.

412 - RECEIPT FOR SAMPLES

Any time you collect a sample after issuing an FDA 482, Notice of Inspection, always issue the appropriate sample receipt FDA 472 - Carriers Receipt for Samples or FDA 484 , Receipt for Samples.

Always issue an FDA 484 as a receipt for samples of prescription drugs, including narcotics and controlled substances. See IOM 412.04 & 412.05.

412.01 - Carriers/In-Transit Lots

Caution: See IOM 424 for conditions that must be met before collecting in-transit samples from common carriers.

Complete an FDA 472, Carriers Receipt for Samples, when samples are collected from carriers or while in transit. See IOM Exhibit 410-A. Give the original to the carrier or his agent and route a copy to the appropriate fiscal unit for your district. The fiscal clerk will notify the consignee and consignor that a sample has been collected so the owner can, if desired, bill FDA for the sample.

412.02 - Dealer Requests Receipt

412.04 - Narcotic and Controlled Rx Drugs

Regulations of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) impose strict controls and comprehensive record-keeping requirements on persons handling narcotics and controlled substances. As a result, an FDA 484 must be issued for all samples of such drugs collected by FDA.

Each dealer in narcotic and controlled drugs is assigned it's own unique DEA registration number. Any time you collect a sample of a narcotic or controlled drug, be sure the Dealer's DEA Registration Number is entered in the appropriate block of the FDA 484. Double-check the number for accuracy. An error may result in possible investigation for drug shortages.

The complete DEA Registration Number must be entered on the - RECEIPT FOR SAMPLES, given to the person from whom collected, by the collector when samples of narcotic or controlled drugs are collected.

Complete the FDA 484 carefully and completely. Include the trade and chemical name, strength, sample size, container size, lot, batch, or control number, manufacturer's name and address, district address and the sample number on the FDA 484 Receipt for Samples . See IOM Exhibit 510-C.

Always issue the original FDA 484, Receipt for Samples, to the person or firm from whom the narcotic or controlled drugs are obtained. Attach a copy to the printed FACTS Collection Record. See IOM 439.09. Use of the FDA 484 as a receipt for samples of these drugs has the approval of DEA. (See reverse of FDA 484).

412.05 - Prescription Drugs (Non-Controlled)

Issue an FDA 484, Receipt for Samples, when samples of prescription legend drugs are collected from dealers, individuals, or during inspections. Attach a copy of the FDA 484 to the printed FACTS Collection Record. See IOM 439.09.

412.06 - Preparation of FDA 484

Complete the blocks on the FDA 484, Receipt for Samples, as follows:

Block 1 - Enter your District address & telephone number including area code.
Block 2 - Enter the complete name and official title of the individual to whom you issue the FDA 484.
Block 3 - Enter date on which you finished collecting the sample. If you spent more than one day on the sample collection, enter the date you completed sampling.
Block 4 - Enter complete Sample Number here. Be sure to include any prefixes such as "DOC", "INV", etc.
Block 5 - Enter firm's legal name.
Block 6 - If the firm is a dealer in narcotics or control drugs, enter their DEA Number here.
Block 7 & 8 - Enter number, street, city, state, and zip code of firm.
Block 9 - Enter a brief description of the article collected, including the number and size of units collected, product name and any identifying brand and code marks.
Block 10 - In certain situations such as for large or expensive device samples, the owner of the article may not want to part with the item. In these instances, FDA may borrow the item and return it later. If the item is borrowed and to be returned, check this box on the FDA 484. Otherwise, check the purchased block even if there is "no charge".
Block 11 - Enter the amount paid for the sample (even if borrowed, the owner may ask rent for it) and check the appropriate box. If there is no charge (always offer payment except for Post Seizure Samples), enter N/C and leave boxes blank. If, as a last resort, it is necessary for you to use your personal check or credit card and this is acceptable to the person, enter amount and check "Cr. Cd." box.

NOTE: Older editions of the FDA 484 do not have a "Cr. Cd." box. If not, write in "Cr. Cd." following the amount.

Block 12 - In instances where payment is made for the Sample, whether actually purchased, borrowed or provided at no charge, and there is no Dealer's Affidavit or any other document executed to show the owner's signature for receipt of payment, obtain the signature of the person receiving payment for the sample.

If Dealer's Affidavit, regular Affidavit or other document is used, the recipient's signature will be on that document so it is not necessary for him to also sign the FDA 484. In this case insert an applicable statement such as "Dealers Affidavit signed" in this block.

Blocks 14, 15, & 17 - Enter your name & title and signature.

412.07 - Routing of FDA 484

Original - Give the signed original to the firm, preferably to the individual to whom you gave the FDA 482 & FDA 483. See IOM 412.04 regarding receipts for narcotics and controlled drug samples.

First Carbon - Accompanies the EIR. If no EIR is involved such as when collecting a sample and the dealer specifically requests a receipt, attach it to the original Collection Record. See IOM 412.02, 412.04, & 412.05.

Second Carbon - This is an extra copy for use as needed. If not filed in the factory file, or attached to the C/R or not otherwise needed, it may be destroyed.

If exact copies are used instead of carbon copies, then route one exact copy with the EIR and a second as above.

When numerous sub samples are collected, the second carbon or exact copy may be attached to the original C/R to avoid repetition of the sub descriptions. When used for this purpose, be sure the numbers you assign to the physical sub samples matches those on the FDA 484, and that the subs are adequately described. See IOM Exhibit 510-C. If errors are noted after issuance, handle the same way as instructed under IOM 512.

414 - DEALER IDENTIFICATION OF LOT AND RECORDS

Positive identification of sampled lots and the records covering their sales and shipment are essential to legal proceedings. The dealer's identification of a sampled lot and his identification of the records covering I.S. shipment should be factual and specific. If there is a question about accurate identification of the lot or records, determine all facts and establish identification as clearly as possible. Be alert to any identifying marks, which may later be used on the witness stand for positive identification.

414.02 - Private Individuals

When collecting Official Samples from private individuals, ask the individual to initial and date the label, wrappings, promotional literature, etc. This will aid in positively identifying the product and related documents in any court proceeding that may develop months, or even years later.

414.03 - Seriously Ill Individuals

If you collect samples from a person for contemplated regulatory action, and it is obvious the person is seriously ill, you should attempt to locate and obtain a corroborating statement and identification from someone else. This corroborating witness should have personal knowledge of the facts and be available if the principle witness cannot testify in a legal proceeding.

415 - SAMPLING FROM GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

See IOM 313.04 for information.

416 - PAYMENT FOR SAMPLES

Payment for all samples, except those collected under authority of a Court Order or Decree shall be offered to the person from whom obtained regardless of the amount. See IOM 416.02.

An exception is import samples. FDA does not pay for Import samples at the time of collection. The importer should bill the District Office. FDA will not pay for violative import samples. See 21 CFR 1.91.

416.01 - Post Seizure (P.S.) and Reconditioning Samples Under Court Order

Do not pay for, or offer payment for, any Post Seizure (P.S) or other samples including those from reconditioned lots, if collected under authority of a Court Order or Decree. If the dealer insists on payment before permitting sampling, show him/her the Court Order. If he/she still refuses sampling, contact your supervisor immediately for further instructions. You may be instructed to notify the U.S. Attorney.

416.02 - Determining Sample Cost

If you are collecting samples from firms or representatives of firms who have Federal Supply, Veterans Administration or other contracts with the Federal Government, the cost of the sample should be determined by the scheduled price. Inquire of the firm if they are on contract for the item. If so, pay only the scheduled price.

Some dealers may wish to charge their regular selling price. However, if the cost of the sample seems excessive, try to persuade the dealer a lower price is more fair. If asked, tell the dealer the government considers a fair price to be the dealer's invoice cost plus a nominal charge (usually 10-15%) for freight, handling and storage.

If unable, through tactful discussion, to convince the dealer to lower the sample cost, do not haggle over the price to be paid. If the cost seems exorbitant, check with your supervisor to determine if the sample size can be reduced, or for further instructions. Whenever there is a disagreement over sample cost, ask the dealer to bill the district and report the circumstances in the Collection Remarks field on your FACTS collection record.

If districts encounter requests for payment for method validation samples (either direct submission by firms to labs or during collection from responsible firms), they should contact the responsible Office of New Drug Chemistry review division, so that communication may take place with the application sponsor. If product is being collected from commercial distribution not in the control of the sponsor/manufacturer, then the district should expect to pay wholesale cost. Expenses for NDA method validation samples should be charge to a PDUFA reimbursable CAN.

416.03 - Method of Payment

Costs Billed to District - Billing sample costs to the district is, in many instances, the most practical method of payment. This is particularly true where substantial costs are involved due to large numbers or expensive samples, when samples are collected from third parties such as carriers and public storage warehouses, or when delivery followed by subsequent billing is the dealers normal business practice. If available, obtain the dealer's invoice and submit it to the appropriate fiscal unit for your district.
Sampling from public storage warehouses and common carriers incurs costs, which are normally billed because the owner of the product is unavailable. Determine the identity of the owner or his agent, and estimate the value of the goods sampled. Arrange with the owner or agent to bill the district.

Cash Payment - If you have a government credit card and you need cash to pay for a sample, you are authorized to use your government credit card to withdraw an ATM advance to pay for your sample whether or not you are in travel status. The amount of the withdrawal should be limited to the cost of the sample. You should submit your itemized claim for samples along with the ATM fee by submitting a local voucher using Travel Manager. Include the sample number and submit to your fiscal unit for payment. Any documentation should be provided. Sample costs cannot be charged directly to your government credit card.

416.04 - Sampling - Labor Charges

Additional labor, use of forklift, or other assistance may be required to move merchandise, skids, pallets, etc., to properly sample and restore the lot. Usually assistance will be available on the premises, or arrangements can be made with management to employ outside professional help.

There is usually little need to discuss payment when requesting nominal use of labor or equipment. However, if there is an indication management expects payment, attempt to reach a clear understanding of the charges before proceeding. If the charges to be incurred appear reasonable, and the cost is minor (about $25.00 or less), proceed with the work and add the charges to your sample cost. However, if substantial costs are involved, consult with your supervisor before making a commitment to pay.

Where the charges are substantial and have been authorized by your supervisor, arrange for the cost of labor and/or machinery to be billed to the district. Handle these charges separately from the actual cost of the sample. Determine the hourly rate and keep track of time, labor, or machinery actually used. Prepare a short memo outlining the charges and submit it to your district.

418 - VOLUNTARY EMBARGO

This section deals solely with a "voluntary" hold on regulated products. See IOM 750 for specific statutory authorities for detaining meat, poultry, egg products, and medical devices.

While there is no specific authority for requesting a voluntary embargo on a lot, voluntary embargoes by a dealer shall be encouraged where the lot sampled is clearly adulterated. By voluntarily holding, the dealer prevents further distribution of suspected violative goods until seizure or other appropriate action can be accomplished.

418.01 - Perishable Goods

Except in rare instances, it is generally not practical to hold highly perishable items unless the analysis can be completed within 24 hours. You should confer with your supervisor before requesting a voluntary embargo on perishable items.

418.02 - Obtaining a Voluntary Embargo

When the lot is clearly adulterated, or when instructed to do so by your supervisor, arrange for a voluntary embargo by the dealer. If possible, direct your conversation so that the dealer suggests the embargo. Call the dealer's attention to his/her responsibility under the law, and appeal to his/her sense of public service, integrity, or the health consequences that may be involved.

Always place a time limit on voluntary embargoes using your best estimate of how long it will take to complete the analysis and reach a district decision. Consider such factors as location of the examining lab, difficulty of the analysis required, turnover rate, storage conditions and the perishable nature of the merchandise. Note: Your district's compliance branch can ask for an extension of the voluntary embargo.

Since the action is voluntary, we cannot compel the dealer to do all the things we might ask him/her to do. While requests for voluntary holds are generally granted, a dealer may act or suggest an alternative approach.

If the dealer indicates a reluctance to voluntarily hold the lot, call his/her attention to Section 301(a) of the FD&C Act [21 U.S.C. 331 (a)]. If the dealer still refuses, a state embargo may be the next action of choice. See IOM 331 and consult your supervisor.

If the dealer declines to hold the lot, but proposes returning it to the shipper, the dealer should be warned NOT to return the goods to the shipper and advised FDA does not condone shipping violative goods. Direct his/her attention to Section 301(a) of the FD&C Act [21 U.S.C. 331 (a)].

If the dealer offers to voluntarily denature or destroy the lot in lieu of voluntary embargo, provide or arrange for supervising the denaturing per IOM 760. If the dealer proposes to recondition the lot, refer him/her to your district compliance branch for approval of his/her method. See IOM 740 and IOM 742.