Welcome

We are delighted to welcome you to Affordable Medicines Europe’s website, which is dedicated to providing information about the licensed parallel distribution of medicines in Europe, as well as information on our association.

What is parallel trade?

In the Single Market, independent distributors can buy pharmaceuticals in any EU/EEA country and then under strictly regulated conditions transport, repackage and resell them in another. Where differences in prices for the pharmaceuticals in question exists, it is relevant. This fosters competition and thus counteracts excessive pricing strategies of producers and patent holders.

Safety

Parallel distribution of medicines is not only legal but also strictly regulated under EU and national regulation. Pa- rallel import requires both GDP and GMP licenses as well as import autho-risations. Parallel imports are also sub-ject to the requirements of the Falsi-fied Medicines Directive. Safety is vitally important for parallel importers and exporters.

Savings

Prices of medicines between EU coun-tries sometimes vary, and a product may be lower priced in e.g. Germany or Sweden than in Poland and France. Another product may conversely be lower priced in France than Germany. Parallel distributors find excess stocks in one country and brings at a lower price into another. This creates compe-tition and leads to significant savings.

Shortages

Currently the EU is facing serious shortages, and the problem has been exacerbated over the last few years. While shortages are predominantly caused by supply issues and restric-tions from manufacturers for which long-term solutions must be found. Meanwhile parallel distribution contributes to solving shortages by importing medicines in shortage.

Who we are

Affordable Medicines Europe is an association that represents Europe’s licensed independent distributors of medicines, who are an integral part of the European pharmaceutical market. Independent distribution adds value to society by bringing price competition in the market – mostly for patented medicines – and a supplementary layer of product safety. Our members work everyday to mitigate medicine shortages and make medicines more affordable and accessible for European healthcare systems and patients.

Affordable Medicines Europe’s has more than 120 member companies in 23 EU/EEA Member States. These members account for approximately 80% of the total parallel import market volume in the EU/EEA. In total, the industry has an annual turnover of 5.5 billion euros. Membership of Affordable Medicines Europe is exclusive to companies holding a wholesale (GDP) license, no matter if they undertake export or import activities. Additionally, all importing members are GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) licensed. All our members sign up to the code of conduct of “Good Parallel Distribution Guidelines”.

Affordable Medicines Europe is managed from Brussels by our Secretariat. The association is governed by its Board and the General Assembly that takes place twice a year.

Twitter feed is not available at the moment.