Parties concerned with sampling procedures include:

(a) manufacturers, in the context of good manufacturing practice (GMP);

(b) customers, such as governmental or nongovernmental agencies involved in the acquisition of drug products;

(c) drug control authorities, responsible for the clearance of drug products held in quarantine after manufacture or importation, and for the detection of materials that have deteriorated or have been contaminated or adulterated.

These guidelines are intended primarily for drug control authorities and governmental procurement agencies, but the general principles may also be appropriate for the other parties referred to above.