Information for consumers on the rules and practical aspects of buying medicines online.

Information for consumers

Prescription-only and over-the-counter medicines are available from authorised online retailers.

All pharmacies authorised to sell medicines online must display the common logo on every part of their website (subpages, etc.) where consumers can buy medicines. The purpose of the common logo is to enable consumers to verify that the pharmacy has been authorised by the Icelandic Medicines Agency (IMA) to offer medicines for sale online.

List of pharmacies authorised to sell medicines online.

It is easy to check whether an online medicine retailer can be trusted. As a consumer, you should keep the following in mind:

• Look out for the common logo on websites offering medicines for sale online.

• Clicking on the common logo should take you to IMA’s website, where you can find a register of pharmacies authorised to sell medicines online.

• Check that the online medicine retailer you intend to buy from is included in the register. Only legitimate online medicine retailers are listed.

• If the online retailer is listed, it is safe to buy medicines from it. Never buy medicines from an online retailer that does not display the common logo.

Further information about the common logo and how it works is available on the European Medicines Agency’s website.

Risks to be aware of and applicable restrictions

Buying medicines online can be risky

When buying medicines from a legitimate online pharmacy, the buyer receives medicines in packaging approved in the country where the pharmacy operates. Please note that information on the packaging and important information in package leaflets, including instructions for taking the medicine and information about adverse reactions, may be in a language that a buyer in Iceland does not understand.

In recent years, the illegal online sale of medicines has grown significantly worldwide. Manufacturing and selling illegal medicines is profitable but criminal activity. Consumers’ health and even their lives are put at risk by the sale of medicines that do not meet their stated composition or manufacturing standards. Studies of medicines sold illegally online have shown that the active substance may be absent altogether or entirely different from the one stated on the packaging.

Consumers should bear this in mind and buy only from authorised online retailers.

Restrictions on importing medicines by post

Significant restrictions apply to individuals importing medicines for personal use. For example, individuals are prohibited from importing medicines by post from countries outside the European Economic Area. Restrictions also apply to importing medicines by post from countries within the European Economic Area. The maximum quantity permitted is a 100-day supply. Individuals must be able to present a medical certificate, prescription or other written statement, together with instructions for use, providing sufficient evidence that the medicines were obtained lawfully and that they need them in the stated quantity. The importation of narcotic and psychotropic substances and anabolic steroids by post is prohibited.

Common European logo for online medicine retailers

What does the common European logo for online medicine retailers mean?

As part of Iceland’s participation in the Agreement on the European Economic Area, the Icelandic authorities have incorporated rules on the common logo for online medicine retailers into Icelandic law.

The purpose of the common logo is to help consumers buy from legitimate online medicine retailers. It is intended to prevent illegal and falsified medicines from being distributed to the public.

Common logo for legitimate online medicine retailers

Permission to use the logo

Under the Medicinal Products Act, pharmacy licence holders may sell medicines online in Iceland. Mail-order and online sales of medicines are governed by reglugerð nr. 560/2018. IMA supervises the implementation of the regulation and is also required to maintain a webpage providing information on the distance selling of medicines online. See further information about the logo and guidelines for its use.