Articles
Two kiwis a day to chase constipation away – European Commission approves fruit health claim
The European Commission has authorised a new food health claim recognising the digestive health benefits of green kiwifruit. The claim—“Consumption of green kiwifruit contributes to normal bowel function by increasing stool frequency”—has recently been added to the Union list of permitted claims under Regulation (EU) No 432/2012, following a five-year authorisation process.
... Read moreOverview Of Changes in Information Security and Personal Data Protection Affecting Wholesale and Retail Trade of Medicinal Products in Russia
Key updates in Russian data security & healthcare CII: New rules for personal data consent (effective Sept 2025), healthcare CII categorization, and penalties for non-compliance. Essential for pharma & medical retailers
... Read moreProcurement of medical devices: New measures between the EU and China
On 30 June 2025, several measures entered into force that were imposed by the European Commission regarding the purchase of medical equipment originating from China.
The following two measures apply…
... Read moreCategory Captains beware!: Belgian competition authority fines Category Management of OTC medicines
On 24 April 2025, the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) announced a landmark decision imposing fines totaling over €11.2 million on three major pharmaceutical companies for their involvement in a long-running anti-competitive arrangement concerning the placement of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines in Belgian pharmacies. This decision is the first of its kind in the EU, setting a precedent for future competition law enforcement in category management practices.
... Read moreCJEU’s DocMorris Ruling: where is the line for pharmaceutical advertising?
The intersection of pharmaceutical advertising, consumer protection, and internal market freedoms remains a complex legal battleground within the EU. In Apothekerkammer Nordrhein v. DocMorris NV (C-517/23), the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) revisited the meaning of ‘advertising of medicinal products’, clarifying how far national restrictions on pharmaceutical advertisements can go under EU pharmaceutical law and internal market principles.
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