Brussels, 13/03/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 12 March, the European Commission launched a consultation on certain changes to the European pharmaceuticals legislation. The Commission hopes to strengthen the fight against counterfeit medicines and suggests a series of measures to this end: - tighter controls and inspections in the medicine production and distribution chain; - a ban on changes to the outer packaging except for the manufacturer and holder of the marketing authorisation; - introduction of electronic elements of identification; - and traceability measures. The consultation document is available at the following address:
http: //ec.europa.eu/enterprise/pharmaceuticals/pharmacos/docs/doc2008/2008_03/consult_counterfeit
_20080307.pdf
The group for pharmaceutical distribution in the EC (GIRP) and the European Association of Euro-Pharmaceutical Companies (EAEPC), composed of companies that market products from parallel imports, welcomed the initiative of the European Commission. No fewer than 2,711,410 pharmaceutical products were seized at EU borders in 2006, i.e. a 384% increase compared to one year earlier.
Persons interested may send their contributions to the “medicines” site of DG Enterprise until 9 May 2008. (O.J.)