16 May 2020 the Russian Government enacted the rules on online sales and delivery of medicines (the Rules). According to the Rules, online sales of medicines are allowed. The exceptions are: RX medicines, narcotic and psychotropic medicines, and medicines containing more than 25% ethyl alcohol.
To receive authorization for online sales a pharmacy shall have a license for at least 1 year, minimum of 10 retail stores, an Internet website or a mobile app, a delivery service, or a contract with such service provider.
The Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare (Roszdravnadzor) grants authorization when a pharmacy files an application and documents, confirming its compliance with the requirements.
Roszdravnadzor has already published a draft order (the Draft) identifying a list of such documents. For instance, a pharmacy has to provide documents confirming the availability of special storage and delivery equipment, website and/or mobile app, and registration in the e payment system.
A decision to grant or to refuse the authorization shall be made by Roszdravnadzor within 5 working days. Roszdravnadzor keeps a register of granted authorizations that is available on its official website. The relevant register maintenance procedure is proposed by the Draft as well.
The Rules also specify the information that shall be published on the pharmacy’s website and/or mobile app, such as license, authorization, ordering service and help desk contacts, data of a person responsible for publication of the medicines information, and pharmacy’s stocks.
Moreover, the Rules stipulate the procedure for placement, processing, and delivery of orders. A customer may place an order on pharmacy website, using mobile app, or by phone. Medicines are to be delivered in compliance with their storage requirements. Payment may be performed by bank transfer or in cash. A customer may reject the delivered medicines without making the payment, provided that the delivery cost is paid.
Authorization for online sales may be canceled by Roszdravnadzor under certain conditions indicated in the Rules.
During COVID-19 pandemic online sales of medicines are particularly essential, and will allow pharmacies to increase their turnover, while customers may receive medicines staying at home.
As of 27 May, 3 pharmacy nets have already become authorized for online sales. However, some pharmacies found the Rules requirements unfair. Self-regulating organization Independent pharmacy association filed a letter to the Head of the Russian Antimonopoly Service, stating that 10 retail stores requirement deprives entrepreneurs and pharmacies located in remote areas of online sales.