Industry response to NI Protocol proposals

The European Commission has announced an update on medicines and the Northern Ireland Protocol. The UK Government's has responded to these proposals and yesterday established the Northern Ireland MHRA Authorised Route (NIMAR).

In response the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) and European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) said:

"The European Commission and UK Government have taken significant practical steps towards resolving outstanding issues with the regulation and supply of medicines under the Northern Ireland Protocol.

"The pharmaceutical industry warmly welcomes the pragmatism they have shown and the solutions they have put forward to protect the supply of medicines to patients in Northern Ireland.
 
"These developments, and the constructive dialogue of the past few weeks, puts us on a strong footing for a long-term resolution."

In response to the EU extending grace periods, the ABPI and EFPIA said:

"Extending these grace periods is a pragmatic step and a welcome response to some of the concerns that our members have raised. We still need to see the detail behind this statement, but this is a positive move focused on patient access to medicines in Northern Ireland."