A new law on counterfeit drugs coming into effect on March 1 will employ stricter measures against those who produce or trade medicine without permission or possess prescription drugs in an excessive amount, anti-counterfeiting group HENT announced on Monday.
The amount of fine on unlicensed producers and traders will increase to HUF 100,000. Officials are commissioned to confiscate unlicensed or fake drugs immediately. The aim of the new law is not only restrict unlawful profit making but also to prevent fake medicines from entering the legal supply chain. Falsified medicine pose serious threat on health either because they are devoid of effect or because of their uncontrolled content, HENT said.
Those who possess medicines formerly withdrawn from circulation or drugs unlicensed in Hungary will also face fines and seizure. The possession of prescription drugs in an amount higher than a single patient’s demand will be considered as penal, too.
The current amendment to counterfeiting law, is only the first step, Krisztina Székely, head of HENT’s medical products anti-counterfeiting action group said. A comprehensive international regulation coming into effect soon will allow for more serious penal code measures against those involved in counterfeiting, she added.
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