Distribution channels

The approved medicines may be dispensed in pharmacies and medical practices with a license to run a practice pharmacy. Drugstores and naturopaths with a license to run a practice pharmacy may dispense medicinal products in their area of competence.

Import of Austrian medicinal products

Due to the agreement with Austria, marketing authorizations granted by the competent Austrian authority under the mutual recognition procedure or decentralized procedure (MRP/DCP) are automatically valid in Liechtenstein, provided that the applicant has explicitly requested this. Only medicinal products with a valid marketing authorization for Liechtenstein may be imported into Liechtenstein.

Information on importation for wholesalers and retailers

Information for wholesalers and retailers

Unauthorized medicinal products may also be imported into Liechtenstein and used in Liechtenstein under certain circumstances

Pharmacies and drugstores

Pharmacies and drugstores may obtain medicines from the EEA for customers in individual cases if they comply with the legally defined requirements. More info can be found here

Doctors

Doctors are allowed to import medicines from abroad for individual patients if they have a special permit from Swissmedic.  Physicians who have a license to run a practice pharmacy may import medicines for a specific patient if they meet the requirements defined in the Decree on Medicines Licensing, SR 812.212.1.

Information on importation for private individuals

Private individuals may import foreign medicinal products into Liechtenstein in small quantities exclusively for personal use.

Information sheet for private individuals

Control of pharmacies, drugstores, and retail pharmacies

Pharmacies, drugstores and the practice pharmacies of physicians and naturopaths are supervised by the Office of Public Health.

The guidelines of the cantonal pharmacists of the region of eastern and central Switzerland and the guidelines of the Swiss Cantonal Pharmacists Association, in which Liechtenstein is also represented,

The Office of Food Control and Veterinary Affairs is responsible for monitoring veterinarians' practice pharmacies.