Hungary prohibits parcel delivery of over-the-counter medicines

Hungary

Recent amendments to the Medicines Thrift Act (Act XCVIII of 2006) will prohibit parcel delivery of over-the-counter (OTC) medicinal products in Hungary.

In recent years, the number of online orders for OTC medicinal products increased dramatically, particularly after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 1 January 2022, however, only professional pharmacy staff will be allowed to deliver OTC and prescription-only medicinal products to patients’ homes.

Regarding the possible reasons behind the prohibition, the Hungarian Chamber of Pharmacy stated that, in the medium term, booming online sales would have jeopardised the survival of small-town pharmacies, which have no online presence. Moreover, the Chamber also reasons that product safety is not guaranteed when couriers deliver OTC medicinal products to patients.

In response to these concerns, pharmacies argue that safety risks do not arise in these sales since qualified pharmacists process online orders, which are then handed over in sealed packages to couriers for delivery.

The Chamber also noted that further legislative changes are expected in connection with the prohibition of parcel delivery and online sale of OTC medicinal products.

For more information on Hungary's pharmaceutical industry, contact your CMS client partner or local CMS experts.

Article co-authored by Diána Galambosi.