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A recent Europol report reveals that criminals are actively using digital platforms to trade counterfeit medicines across Europe. The Latvian Medicines Verification Organisation (LZVO) urges the public to purchase medicines only from registered pharmacies and medical institutions and to remain vigilant when shopping online.

In line with the deployment of EU Hub Release 1.16, which will take effect on 25 January 2025, the European Medicines Verification Organisation is introducing critical changes to the structure of Product Master Data (PMD) and Product Pack Data (PPD). Additional existing fields will now become mandatory and require action to ensure compliance.

The main mission of the Romanian Medicines Serialisation Organisation (OSMR) is to manage the National Medicines Verification System (NMVS), through which we ensure that every medicine put into circulation on the national market is authentic. As General Manager, I have had the privilege of overseeing the implementation and operation of Romania’s NMVS, a cornerstone in the fight against falsified medicines.

Kristina von Sydow, General Manager, e-VIS: Reflecting on 5 years of FMD in Sweden. Can we have more confidence in the medicines supply chain now?

From 1 January 2025, new rules on the labelling and packaging of medicines will come into effect across the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland, under the Windsor Framework. These rules will prohibit prescription medicines in Northern Ireland from being labelled with European Union (EU) safety features. The requirements of the EU Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) for medicines marketed and supplied in Northern Ireland will no longer apply.

Italy and Greece are the two countries that were granted the longest transition period of 6 years for the implementation of the Falsified Medicines Directive. Accordingly, from February 9, 2025, the European Medicines Verification System must also be operational in these countries, where active preparations are currently underway.