Russia may legalize parallel imports of drugs next month

The Russian government is considering legalizing the parallel importation of drugs into the country in an attempt to force foreign producers to reduce the prices for their range in Russia.

Legalization of parallel imports of drugs has been under discussion in Russia for the last several years. The local Federal Antimonopoly Service has been lobbying for this measure for more than three years, despite the fact that the majority of foreign drugmakers have opposed these plans.

The same position is shared by the Association of European Businesses, according to which this will create additional threats to the health of Russian consumers and will result in the influx of low-quality drugs to the local market.