Health products policy and standards
Our team provides authoritative guidance and standards on quality, safety and efficacy of health products and supports countries to formulate evidence-based policies and ensure good practice throughout the value chain.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) Blood Regulators Network (BRN) was established in 2006 and is comprised of leading international regulatory authorities that have responsibility for the regulation of blood, blood products and related in vitro diagnostic devices (IVD). 

The Expert Committee on Biological Standardization (ECBS) recognized the need for a global network of regulatory authorities in the blood field and recommended that WHO promote cooperation of experienced regulatory authorities in risk assessment and information-sharing through the establishment of a "peer regulators group". 

The BRN provides a forum for the exchange of information and opinion among members on blood-related issues. The Network focuses on scientific assessment of current and emerging threats to the safety and availability of blood and blood products, assessment of the impact of new blood-related technologies, and also explores opportunities for regulatory cooperation and collaboration, where possible. 

Member organizations have legal standing and well-established, demonstrated institutional capacity to regulate blood and blood products, and the necessary expertise to address emerging global public health challenges. The WHO acts as Secretariat to the BRN and coordinates network activities under the conditions of the Terms of Reference.

BRN recommendations and considerations are communicated to the ECBS, through WHO. Documents published by the BRN contain the collective views of members and do not necessarily represent the decisions or the stated policy of WHO or of the participating regulatory authorities. 

Related documents

Blood Regulators Network (BRN) members