Parallel export ban
Parallel export ban
A restriction on re-exporting medicines from one EU country to another. Used to protect supply in the source country when a shortage is detected.
❓ Frequently asked questions
▸ What's a parallel export?
Buying a medicine in one EU country and re-selling it in another to exploit price differences. Legal under EU free movement of goods — but countries can ban it temporarily for medicines in short supply.
▸ How does this affect me as a patient?
A parallel export ban on a medicine in your country means stocks are reserved for local prescriptions. You're more likely to get the medicine; out-of-country re-sellers are blocked.