site.btaCompetition Watchdog Holds Meeting on Parallel Trade in Medicines as Part of Ongoing Sector Inquiry

The Commission for Protection of Competition (CPC) said Thursday it has held a meeting with the Bulgarian Association for Medicines Parallel Trade Development as part of its ongoing sector inquiry into the wholesale and retail pharmaceutical markets. The discussion focused on competition conditions and the conduct of market participants across different levels of the pharmaceutical supply chain. Participants also addressed the role of parallel trade in the distribution process and the causes behind the shortage or unavailability of certain medicines on the Bulgarian market.

Additional meetings with stakeholders from the sector are scheduled, during which the CPC will examine key issues affecting the pharmaceutical market. The inquiry aims to determine whether the observed problems stem from objective market conditions or from distortions caused by anti-competitive practices that may infringe on competition and harm consumer rights.

In parallel, the CPC is sending questionnaires to market participants, industry associations, public institutions, and other stakeholders to gather detailed information.

The goal of the sector inquiry is to propose measures and recommendations for improving the competitive environment in the pharmaceutical sector. Should the Commission identify evidence of potential violations such as unfair trading practices, abuse of dominant position, or prohibited agreements, it will initiate formal proceedings to investigate and address them.

The CPC launched the sector inquiry a month ago, citing medicine shortages as an issue of significant public concern. The Commission has identified several possible causes for such shortages, including production delays, supply chain disruptions, increased demand, distribution challenges, opportunities for parallel exports, and price regulation.