Authority for Justice and Consumer Protection

Apply for permission to ship prescription drugs

Prerequisites

• You are the owner of a public pharmacy
• The dispatch of pharmacy-only medicines takes place in addition to the usual pharmacy operations.
• There is a quality assurance system in place for the shipping process.
• You comply with the legal regulations for pharmacy operations

Documents required

• Informal, written application
• Required documents are set out in Section 11a of the Pharmacy Act (ApoG)
• Further information on the type and scope of the documents can be found in the information sheet “Issuing a mail order license for pharmacies” or can be clarified with the responsible authority.
• If rooms outside the approved pharmacy premises are to be used for mail order sales: details of the size, condition, furnishings and function of the additional premises, including scaled floor plans and the rental agreement

Please note

• All pharmaceutical retailers who operate an online shop must be registered in a central register at the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).
• The BfArM maintains a mail-order pharmacy register that lists all German pharmacies with a mail-order license. The BfArM awards these retailers a safety logo, which the providers can also display on their homepage. Consumers can view the mail-order pharmacy register on the BfArM website.
• For further information please see the links.

Deadlines

Submit the application no later than 4 weeks before the pharmacy plans to start shipping activities.

Procedure

• You submit your written application with all required documents to the responsible authority.
• The responsible authority will examine your application and documents. If necessary, it will request further documents or information from you.
• The responsible authority checks whether all requirements are met.
• The responsible authority will decide on your application.
• The mail order license will be granted to you.
• Your permission to send pharmacy-only medicines will be entered in the central register of the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).

Processing time

Processing usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Fees

Fees apply. The amount of the fee depends on the time required.

Legal remedies

Contradiction

Legal basis

• § 11a Pharmacy Act (ApoG)


• § 43 paragraph 1 Medicines Act (AMG)