Russia approves law for online sale of pharmaceuticals without a prescription

The State Duma of the Russian Federation has passed a new law regulating the distance selling of medicines, exceptionally extending the new legislation to numerous prescription medications until 31 December 2020.

This new measure was justified by the need to reduce the number of people visiting pharmacies in order to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.

The list of drugs approved for online sale does not include narcotic drugs and preparations or psychotropic drugs containing more than 25% ethyl alcohol.

This measure will only apply to pharmacies that hold a licence for pharmaceutical activities and a special permit issued by the relevant authorities.

The list of authorised pharmacies and pharmaceutical organisations will be included in a unified register.

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