Uniform rules for sale of pseudoephedrine

10.1.2014

Question for written answer E-000201-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Zuzana Roithová (PPE)

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant drug used to control nasal congestion caused by allergies or colds. However, it is also misused to a large extent to produce methamphetamine, which is why it is available only with a prescription or as a limited over‐the‐counter drug in many EU Member States. For instance, in the Czech Republic the identity of the purchaser must be checked and the transaction must be registered with the State Institute for Drug Control. However, not all EU Member States have put in place strict and uniform rules on the distribution of this easily abused drug. Drug dealers, therefore, have little difficulty in travelling to one country and buying up large amounts of the drug, which they then process in amateur drug labs for distribution in neighbouring countries. Countries that are often mentioned in this context are Poland, where pseudoephedrine is easily available, and the Czech Republic, where methamphetamine is one of the most widely used drugs and which serves as a launch pad for smuggling to western EU Member States.

Given the impact that this drug has on society, does the Commission intend to take steps in the near future to tighten up the rules on the sale of pseudoephedrine in those EU Member States where the drug’s availability is completely unregulated?

OJ C 288, 28/08/2014