CMS | Romanian competition council launches investigation of pharma market

On 27 September 2022, the Romanian Competition Council (RCC) launched a sector investigation into the Romanian retail pharma market in an attempt to identify obstacles or impediments limiting consumer access to drug products.

The investigation will focus on the supply chain of drugs from their entry into the market up to the retail/pharmacy level, and will also consider all relevant legislation in the sector to identify any regulations that might restrict competition.

The Romanian pharma market has long been under the observation of the RCC, which has issued sanctions against cartels in this market and is constantly investigating market abuse practices that might affect Romanian consumers. While the RCC has not provided details on the causes of concern underlying this investigation, Romania has long struggled with access to medicine, with blockages in the supply chain on the increase. Drug manufacturers have also complained that pricing regulations, the claw-back tax and recent increases in energy prices make Romania a difficult place to do business.

Companies in the sector, at all levels of the supply chain from manufacturers to pharmacies, can expect to receive requests for information.