CPhI Worldwide: dates, what is exhibited and how to prepare
CPhI Worldwide is the largest pharmaceutical industry event. Held annually in Milan, it brings together raw material suppliers, manufacturers, and…
Published on 15 September 2026Updated on 21 September 2026
CPhI Worldwide is the largest pharmaceutical industry event. Held annually in Milan, it brings together raw material suppliers, manufacturers, and contract service providers across the entire drug development and production chain. For Spanish exporters of pharmaceutical products and chemical precursors, the fair offers direct access to European buyers and global distribution partners.
Fact sheet
- Dates
- 2026-10-06 → 2026-10-08
- City
- Milán, Italy
- Venue
- Fiera Milano City
- Organiser
- Informa Markets
- Frequency
- anual
- What is exhibited
- La feria cubre una amplia gama de temas de la industria farmacéutica, desde investigación y desarrollo hasta producción, incluyendo embalaje y gestión de la cadena de suministro.
- Official website
- https://www.cphi.com/europe/en/home.html
Source: Informa MarketsData for 2026-09-15Verified on 21 September 2026
Sector imports in the country
USD · 2025| Chapter | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| 29 · Organic chemicals | 46,735,963,750 |
| 30 · Pharmaceutical products | 37,714,095,649 |
| 38 · Chemical products n.e.c. | 8,846,363,798 |
| 33 · Essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet… | 5,127,813,727 |
| 28 · Inorganic chemicals; organic and inorganic compounds of… | 3,278,538,092 |
| 32 · Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives… | 3,120,148,990 |
| 34 · Soap, organic surface-active agents; washing, lubricating… | 2,200,643,470 |
| 35 · Albuminoidal substances; modified starches; glues; enzymes | 964,018,017 |
| 36 · Explosives; pyrotechnic products; matches; pyrophoric… | 214,882,297 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 21 September 2026
Other fairs in the sector
Export regulations and market requirements
Italy imports nearly 38 billion USD in finished pharmaceutical products annually, making it a significant market within the EU. Spanish pharmaceutical exports to Italy move under the intra-EU customs regime with no tariffs, but all products must comply with EU pharmaceutical regulations regardless of origin.
Exhibitors should verify that their facility holds current GMP certification and that all product documentation meets EU requirements. Italy's National Medicines Agency (AIFA) enforces these standards, and many buyers will request proof of compliance during negotiations.
If you supply excipients, packaging materials, or process equipment, your products must meet European pharmaceutical standards for quality and traceability. Documentation in English and Italian is recommended for booth materials and product sheets.
Spain's chamber of commerce in Milan and the Spanish pharmaceutical associations can provide guidance on local regulatory contacts and interpreter services for the fair.
Questions about exhibiting and exporting at CPhI
Do I need a marketing authorization to exhibit at CPhI, or can I show prototype products?
CPhI welcomes suppliers at all stages: finished products with marketing authorizations, API manufacturers, contract manufacturers, and equipment providers. However, if you plan to negotiate direct sales of finished medicinal products during the fair, you must have or be pursuing a valid marketing authorization. Many exhibitors use the fair to present development-stage products to potential partners, which does not require authorization. Confirm your exhibition category with the organizer when registering.
What documentation should I bring to the booth?
Prepare GMP certificates, product specifications, stability data, and certificates of analysis for all exhibited products. Bring quality system summaries and, if applicable, copies of marketing authorizations or applications. Have samples available only if they comply with EU regulations for cross-border movement. Multilingual data sheets (English and Italian at minimum) help conversations with potential distributors and manufacturers.
Are there logistics requirements for shipping samples to Milan?
Pharmaceutical samples shipped within the EU do not require special import permits, but all items must be labeled correctly and accompanied by safety data sheets if required. Italian customs may inspect shipments; ensure all documentation is clear and in order. Contact the venue, Fiera Milano City, or your logistics provider at least two weeks before the fair to confirm receiving procedures for exhibition materials.
What types of buyers typically attend CPhI Worldwide?
CPhI attracts pharmaceutical manufacturers, generic producers, contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs), distributors, wholesalers, and quality assurance specialists. Most attendees are European, but the fair also draws representatives from Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. Italian companies represent a large portion of on-site visitors.
How far in advance should I register as an exhibitor?
Early bird discounts typically close 2–3 months before the fair. Register on the official CPhI Worldwide website as soon as you decide to participate. This gives you time to arrange booth design, coordinate shipping of materials, and plan your sales team's schedule. The organizing team, Informa Markets, sends regular updates to registered exhibitors.
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