Poland's on-line draft law not EU compliant

The new draft legislation relating to on-line drug sales in Poland prepared by the Health Ministry does not comply with European Union laws, the European Integration Authority (UKIE) has said. It claims that the new legislation stipulates too many restrictions for on-line sales. Among the regulations coming under UKIE fire are the requirement for on-line drug stores to have round-the-clock hotlines as well as regulations concerning the storage and transportation of drugs (Marketletters passim).

"The Ministry says that, unlike at a bricks-and-mortar pharmacy, there is no opportunity for consultation with a pharmacist on the internet. But we think detailed information on the pharmacy's web site would be enough," commented UKIE representative Tomasz Krawczyk.

Should the Ministry disregard theUKIE's recommendations, it could face a law suit at the European Court of Justice, the Authority said. The Ministry has submitted its directive to the European Commission, and the latter will review its contents over a three-month period although, should there be further queries, that could be extended by another 12 weeks.