E-Commerce
E-commerce of self-care products is allowed in the EU and there is a harmonized approach to the registration of online pharmacies (e-pharmacies). However, national governments take different approaches as to product classification, which classes of products are allowed to be sold online, which entities can sell the different classes of products, as well as the requirement for online pharmacies to have a physical presence or not.
The main reasons people buy self-care products online are affordability and convenience. For obvious reasons, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the popularity of e-commerce, including when it comes to buying self-care products. It is important to ensure that adequate resources are allocated and that the right framework is in place so that people who choose to buy their self-care products online can do so safely.