Wholesale Pharmacy & OTC Suppliers

Licensing and who may buy

In most countries, wholesale distribution of medicines requires a license, and supply is often limited to licensed pharmacies, other licensed wholesalers or specific retailers. Some OTC categories, such as general analgesics, may be sold outside pharmacies in some markets and only inside pharmacies in others. Check the rules for your market, confirm your own license, and confirm that the supplier is licensed in its country. Never buy medicines from an unlicensed source, because the legal exposure falls on the buyer as well.

Marketing authorization and labelling

A product must usually be authorized for sale in your market, and the label, leaflet and language must match that authorization. A medicine legal in one country may be unauthorized in another, even if the formula is the same. Packs for another market can be illegal to sell, and parallel import usually requires a specific permission. Ask for the authorization number and check it in the local register.

Grey market, diversion and counterfeits

Counterfeit and diverted medicines are a serious risk. Warning signs include prices well below normal trade cost, packs with mixed languages, damaged or resealed packaging, missing batch numbers, and suppliers unwilling to show licenses or origin. Ask for the chain of custody from manufacturer to supplier. Some markets require serialization and verification of packs, and you may need to comply with it.

Storage and cold chain

Many medicines require controlled room temperature, and some require refrigeration. Ask about storage and transport conditions, and whether temperature data is recorded. A shipment that went outside its range can be unusable even if it looks fine. Check the expiry date on delivery, as short-dated stock may not be sellable.

Categories and pack sizes

Typical lines include pain relief, cold and flu, allergy, digestive, first aid, skin care and some medicated personal care items. Packs are sold in cartons of fixed unit count, often with pharmacy-specific displays. Pack sizes may be restricted by law in some markets to limit quantity sold.

Seasonality and margins

Demand follows seasons, with cold and flu in autumn and winter, and allergy products in spring. Margins on branded OTC goods are typically thin, as pricing is competitive and sometimes regulated. Expired or recalled stock is a direct loss and a legal issue.

Products not to treat as ordinary goods

Prescription-only medicines, controlled substances and anything requiring a prescription must be handled only under appropriate licensing. Do not use this directory to source them unless you hold the correct authorization.

Questions to ask a supplier

• Which license do you hold, and can I verify it?
• Is the product authorized in my market, and what is the authorization number?
• What is the batch, expiry and chain of custody?
• How are storage and transport temperature handled?
• Is serialization or pack verification supported?
• What is your recall procedure?