Switzerland has moved towards wider parallel import of generic medicines after the National Council (Nationalrat) approved a motion already adopted by the Council of States (Ständerat). The National Council backed the measure by 109 votes to 81, with seven abstentions, on 14 September.
Parallel import is already possible, but the current route remains tied to Swiss authorisation. Since January 2024, simplified rules have allowed parallel import of medicines already authorised in Switzerland. The importer must obtain authorisation from the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products (Schweizerisches Heilmittelinstitut, Swissmedic) and assumes safety and market-surveillance responsibilities comparable with other marketing-authorisation holders.
The adopted motion goes further. It seeks legal changes allowing healthcare providers, including pharmacies, hospitals and doctors, to import generics directly from abroad and enabling reimbursement through mandatory health insurance. The proposal is intended to widen access to lower-priced foreign generics beyond the existing Swissmedic-authorised parallel-import route.
The Federal Council opposed the motion. It warned that importing medicines without Swiss authorisation could weaken pharmacovigilance, recall arrangements and accountability, while easier imports might reduce manufacturers' incentive to maintain Swiss authorisations. The National Council's health committee had also recommended rejection because of patient-safety and liability concerns.
Adoption by both chambers now gives the Federal Council a mandate to prepare an implementation proposal. No commencement date or detailed import model has been set. The government must determine eligibility, importer responsibilities, safety controls and reimbursement arrangements before legislative changes can take effect.
The eventual design will determine whether the measure creates meaningful additional price competition or alternative supply without weakening the regulatory responsibilities currently attached to parallel imports.
Source: Swiss Parliament
Link: Parlament will Parallelimporte von Generika erleichtern (Parliament wants to facilitate parallel imports of generics)
Date: 14 September 2026
Source: Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products
Link: Neue Wegleitung Einfuhr eines Humanarzneimittels nach Art. 14 Abs. 2 und 3 HMG (Parallelimport) (New guidance document on import of a human medicinal product under Article 14 paragraphs 2 and 3 TPA – parallel import)
Date: 1 January 2024
