What is parallel trade? - Affordable Medicines Europe

In the Single Market parallel traders can buy pharmaceuticals in any EU/EEA country and then under strictly regulated conditions move medicines to the destination market, repackage them to comply with national legislation and linguistic needs, and sell them at a lower price than the standard local price, in competition with that same identical product sold by the manufacturer or its local licensee. This is possible because prices of individual drugs vary between Member States.
Parallel importers and exporters are true entrepreneurs. Their contribution to innovation in the pharmaceutical sector lies in their ability to identify and procure products with relevant price differentials and thus foster competition and provide a service to patients by making these medicines more affordable. The Parallel distributors must meticulously research, calculate and meet the costs associated with purchasing, transport, warehousing, insurance, repackaging, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, distribution and marketing.
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