Retail sale of non-prescription medicines
From 2027 onwards, certain non‑prescription medicines may also be sold outside pharmacies, such as in grocery stores.
Before sales can commence, the pharmaceutical company must apply for authorisation to sell the product outside pharmacies (expanded sales channel). Authorisation may only be applied for non-prescription medicines included in the restricted selection, as defined in the Medicines Decree available in the Finlex online service. The selection includes certain non-prescription medicines intended for the treatment of heartburn, constipation, dry eyes and minor skin injuries, as well as for vitamin and trace element replacement therapy. Applications for authorisation may be submitted as of October 2026.
Retail stores must also hold a licence to sell non-prescription medicines. Grocery stores and other comparable business operators may apply to Fimea for a retail licence for non-prescription medicines as of January 2027. The licence is granted per retail store. Once the licence has been granted, retail stores become part of the pharmaceutical distribution chain. Through supervision, Fimea ensures the safe and lawful distribution, sale and marketing of non-prescription medicines.
Are you planning to sell non prescription medicines?
This website focuses on providing guidance for operators outside pharmacies on the retail sale of non prescription medicines included in the restricted selection. Products intended for nicotine replacement therapy may also be sold outside pharmacies, and their supervision is the responsibility of the municipalities.
If you are planning to sell non prescription medicines, please familiarise yourself carefully with the guidance provided for retail stores (other than pharmacies).
The pages will be updated regularly during 2026 as details are further specified.
Guidance for retail stores selling non prescription medicines (other than pharmacies)
- General guidance to support retail stores: Support and guidance for retail stores
- Applying for a retail licence: page to be published later
- Information on the responsibilities of retail stores: Retail store responsibilities
- Supervision of retail stores: page to be published later
- Frequently asked questions on the retail sale of non prescription medicines: Retail sale of non-prescription medicines – FAQ
Guidance for other operators involved in the sale of non prescription medicines
- Supervision, guidance and advice on pharmacy operations: Pharmacies
- Supervision, guidance and advice on medicinal wholesaling: Pharmaceutical industry
- Marketing authorisation holders of non-prescription medicines – applying for an expansion of sales channels for non-prescription medicines (page to be published later)
Non‑prescription medicine sales: key terms explained
This glossary explains terms related to the extension of sales channels for non prescription medicines, which are used, among other things, on the accompanying websites. The terms and their definitions are not necessarily official or those used in legislation. However, the expression(s) used in legislation for the same matter are always mentioned in the definition where the form used in the glossary differs from them.