UK Changes Pharmaceutical Imports Border Policy

Following Brexit, the UK administration put in new regulations which allow pharmaceutical businesses to bring medicines into the UK from the EU and the broader EEA (European Economic Area) negating the need for British batch testing or specific documentation from qualified UK personnel.

According to the government, this procedure safeguards patients and is consistent with the goals of its life sciences aspirations, one of the goals being preventing needless regulations.

The government has previously discussed the best course of action for batch testing pharmaceuticals in the UK, which led to the policy’s authorisation. The Department of Health and Social Care reported that 72% of those involved in a study preferred this new policy.

According to Catherine Drew of Pinsent Masons, the resolution from these government talks is advantageous for international corporations since batch testing is time-consuming and expensive. By reducing redundant testing procedures, delays in getting medications to the UK market may be avoided. Although I should be noted that the EU has not taken a similar stance.

Drew expressed that: “as indicated by the number of respondents to the consultation who supported this option, the approach being adopted is welcomed by industry as a pragmatic solution, avoiding duplication and additional cost.”

The long-term plan is to make the new policy a permanent via the Medicines and Medical Devices Act 2021. The policy is already in effect, so it will not need the same 2 year allowance time to be applied within the sector.

The government also revealed intentions to provide the pharmaceutical industry instructions on how its authorised list would function, such as how the membership evaluation process will play out.

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