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January 11, 2026
Approximately 5 minutes
Online Mail-Order Pharmacies and EU Safety Standards in Germany
Online Mail-Order Pharmacies and EU Safety Standards in Germany
EU Legal Framework for Online Pharmacy Sales
The sale of medicinal products via the internet is regulated by Directive 2011/62/EU (Falsified Medicines Directive) and Directive 2001/83/EC. EU Member States must ensure that online pharmacies operating legally display a common EU safety logo, which links to national registers of authorised retailers. In Germany, only pharmacies with a German retail licence may sell prescription medicines online, and non-prescription medicines may be sold by registered mail-order pharmacies. BfArM supervises compliance and maintains the official register. Online medicine retailers - BfArM
Requirements for Authorised Online Pharmacies
- Must hold a valid German pharmacy licence (Apothekenbetriebserlaubnis).
- Prescription medicines require a valid prescription before dispensing.
- Strict rules on data protection, quality assurance, and pharmacovigilance apply.
- Mandatory display of the EU common logo on every website page offering medicines for sale.
- The logo links directly to BfArM’s public list of registered online pharmacies.
BfArM’s Public Register
BfArM publishes and regularly updates a searchable list of all authorised online mail-order pharmacies in Germany. The register includes:
- Pharmacy name and address
- Website URL
- Licence number
- Contact details
Consumers can verify any online pharmacy by checking for the EU logo and confirming its entry in the BfArM list. Pharmacies not listed are operating illegally in Germany.
Consumer Protection and Warnings
- BfArM warns against purchasing from websites without the EU logo or not listed in the register, as these may supply falsified, substandard, or unsafe medicines.
- Illegal suppliers often offer prescription medicines without prescription or at suspiciously low prices.
- BfArM cooperates with customs, police, and EU partners to combat illegal online trade.
Practical Advice for Consumers
- Always look for the EU safety logo and click it to verify registration.
- Check the BfArM register before purchasing.
- Avoid sites offering prescription medicines without requiring a prescription.
- Report suspicious websites to BfArM via the provided contact channels.
This regulatory system enhances patient safety by ensuring traceable, legitimate sources for online medicine purchases in Germany and across the EU. Online medicine retailers - BfArM
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