site.btaBulgaria Extends Export Ban on Certain Insulins, Antibiotics and Adds Other Medicines

A ban on the export of certain insulins, insulin analogues and some antibiotics has been extended, and an export ban on additional medicines, including anti-anemic drugs, has been introduced, the Health Ministry said on Saturday. The order, issued by outgoing Health Minister Silvi Kirilov and published on the Ministry's website, will be in force from January 24 to March 24, 2026.

The purpose of the export ban is to ensure the availability of essential medicines on the Bulgarian retail market.

The export ban on insulins, insulin analogues and some antibiotics is being re-extended after it was first introduced in November 2023. The export ban for the other medicines takes effect next week.

The ban covers medicines in the following pharmacological groups: Insulins and analogues; Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors; glucose-lowering drugs other than insulins (including semaglutide); systemic antibacterials including Azithromycin, Clarithromycin and Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid in certain forms; aminosalicylic acid and related products (mesalazine); drugs affecting bone structure and mineralization (denosumab); and other anti-anemic products.

The order follows a review of the supply of medicines for diabetes, infections, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, osteoporosis and certain types of anemia. Information from the Bulgarian Drug Agency and regional health inspectorates has shown difficulties in supplying pharmacies and patients due to delivery refusals, rising patient numbers, irregular or delayed shipments, and shortages at wholesale distributors.