Pennsylvania Adds New Bond Requirement Under Wholesale Prescription Drug Laws
On October 16, 2024, Governor Josh Shapiro signed the Pennsylvania Wholesale Prescription Drug Distributors License Act No. 101 of 2024 (WPDDLA) into law. This amended the original License Act and took effect on April 13, 2025.
This legislation introduced new licensing and surety bond requirements for all prescription drug wholesalers in the state.
Continue reading to learn how these changes impact you and how to update your bond coverage.
Who Do These Changes Affect?
Under the WPDDLA, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) requires all prescription drug wholesalers, distributors and virtual manufacturers to be licensed and file a surety bond.
If you’re a wholesaler or distributor of human prescription drugs, you previously needed a $25,000 surety bond to register with the DOH. However, this new act increased the standard bond amount to $100,000.
The DOH also now requires licensure for virtual manufacturers holding FDA product label codes for commercial products.
What Is the New Bond Requirement?
The DOH raised the standard surety bond amount from $25,000 to $100,000.
However, you can still request to lower your bond amount to $25,000 if your annual gross receipts for the previous tax year are less than $10,000,000.
To lower your bond amount, submit your tax records from the previous year or a review of your sales by a CPA to the Department of Health. If approved, your surety provider can decrease the existing bond amount with a bond rider form.
You must maintain an active bond policy while licensed and for one year after your license expires or is deemed inactive.
Where Can I Buy My Bond?
Pharmaceutical wholesalers must purchase their bonds from an authorized surety company. SuretyBonds.com works with the top surety providers in Pennsylvania to offer the best bond rates and an easy application process.
Request a free, no-obligation bond quote and learn more in our Pennsylvania Prescription Drug Wholesaler, Distributor or Virtual Manufacturer Bond Guide. Rates start as low as $1,000 for the $100,000 bond amount or $250 for the $25,000 pharmacy bond.
How Do I Increase My Bond Coverage?
To increase an existing $25,000 bond to the new $100,000 coverage requirement, you will need a rider amendment document from your original surety provider. Or, you can ask the surety to cancel your existing bond and purchase a new bond form.
File proof of your increased bond amount at least 30 days before the current bond’s expiration. Failure to do so may result in the DOH canceling your license.
Learn More
With this new legislation already in effect, you’ll want to start taking steps now to ensure compliance with state regulations.
For more information, refer to the PA Department of Health bond guide.