Russian govt extends special procedure to sell foreign medicine until end of 2027

MOSCOW. Jan 13 (Interfax) - The Russian government has extended the special procedure for the sale of registered foreign medicines until the end of 2027, which will help maintain a stable supply of essential medications, the government said on its website on Tuesday.

"The special procedure for the sale of registered foreign medicines in Russia will remain in effect until December 31, 2027. A corresponding resolution has been signed," the government said in the statement.

The statement indicates that the decision will help maintain a stable supply of essential medications to pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals. This refers to the possibility of selling foreign medications in foreign packaging. However, the label must be in Russian.

The decision on whether to apply special procedures for the sale of specific foreign drugs is reached by a special interdepartmental commission, which includes representatives from the Health Ministry, the Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare (Roszdravnadzor), the Industry and Trade Ministry, the Finance Ministry, the Federal Anti-monopoly Service, and the Federal Customs Service, the government added.

The Russian government had previously extended the simplified procedures for state registration of certain drugs and the most in-demand medical equipment and devices.