Returns Task Force
The HDMA Returns Task Force (RTF) identifies best practices and develops recommendations for actions that address key issues and improve processes and technology efficiencies for returned and/or unsaleable healthcare products. Recommendations are intended to guide distributors, manufacturers, service providers and others in reducing supply chain costs associated with returns and unsaleables in a way that preserves or improves the safety and security of the healthcare supply chain.
The RTF comprises representatives from the major segments of the healthcare distribution industry, including manufacturers and distributors of healthcare products and service providers to the healthcare products supply chain. When the project scope calls for a broader perspective, the RTF includes input from retail and other relevant groups as well.
Recent RTF Efforts
HDMA’s Practical Tips to Address Returns Drivers
This article that identifies ways to reduce unsalable returns and reduce supply chain waste. It contains suggestions for manufacturers, distributors and retailers to consider, and was developed in 2010 by the HDMA Returns Task Force with input from retail pharmacy for a broader perspective.
 download file
The following publications can be downloaded from the HDMA Marketplace.
180 Return Merchandise Authorization/Notification and 812 Credit/Debit Adjustment Guidelines for EDI
The 180 is a multi-directional request or notification of a return and the corresponding response to this request or notification. The 812 is a bidirectional transaction used to communicate debits and credits between a manufacturer and a distributor. The transaction set now includes reason codes for use in conjunction with a 180.
Returned Goods Debit Memo Template
Trading partners may use this template to convey information about returned pharmaceuticals and facilitate the credit reconciliation process. While some data about returned goods are electronically exchanged, trading partners may realize efficiencies by streamlining the flow of information exchanged in the paper process as well. This sample Returned Goods Debit Memo Template is designed to clearly communicate the pertinent information needed to process a pharmaceutical return.
Understanding the Drivers of Expired Pharmaceutical Returns
Describes the underlying causes of unsaleable pharmaceutical returns and outlines actions a company may take to address and evaluate progress in decreasing returns. The report explores the pharmacy and the warehouse to determine where and why pharmaceutical returns typically occur.
Snapshot of Returned Goods and Manufacturer Policies
Provides information on the volume and average dollar value of returned prescription and OTC products processed by reverse logistics providers. This publication is designed to help trading partners understand reverse logistics policies and processes and improve returns processing.
Recall and Withdrawal Notification Guidelines
Outlines current industry practices and strategies for manufacturers and distributors to effectively communicate product recall or withdrawal information to trading partners. These guidelines include sample recall notice forms that may be used by manufacturers to provide clear instructions to distributors helping to process recalled products.
Returns Logistics Practices
Examines a full range of practices associated with returned goods, identifies current industry practices for returned goods logistics and documents those trends over time to educate the industry about adoption of practices that may reduce costs and improve operational efficiencies.
The task force recognizes that each supply chain member must develop its own, individualized returns policies, and must individually choose how to deal and contract with its industry partners, suppliers and customers. The RTF recognizes that many of the issues surrounding returned products are perceived differently, depending on one’s position in the supply chain. However, the RTF also believes that all within the supply chain agree upon three fundamental principles:
- Assuring the safety, security and integrity of drug products in the supply chain is critical.
- Reducing returns at the source is advantageous to all within the supply chain.
- Control of the disposition or final destination of the return is important.
Therefore, the Returns Task Force intends to focus upon these three important principles in developing any best practices or templates for processing returned healthcare products.
Task Force Coordinator:
Marjorie DePuy
Task Force Administrator:
Allison Halterman
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