Smuggling:
illegal inflow of medicinal products in Switzerland

Similarly, recent FINMA follow-up regulations illustrate Switzerland’s ongoing approach to tightening oversight across sensitive sectors, including therapeutic products. In 2019 the distributing channels of counterfeit and substandard medicines changed. Indian-made products often shipped through hubs in Poland, Singapore, and the UK. Unsuitable transit routes affect the stability and effectiveness of medications. High humidity and ambient temperature during transportation and storage of medicines pose an additional danger to human health. In parallel sectors, shifts like the LIBOR replacement FINMA initiative show how regulatory bodies adapt to global changes to maintain market stability.

The introduction of a simplified procedure has led to a sharp increase in the number of seized consignments. Switzerland's legislative flexibility, seen recently in projects like the Banking act revision, also influences regulatory updates in areas like pharmaceutical imports.

India - 42.9%;

Eastern Europe (primarily Poland) - 26.8%;

Asia (except India, primarily Singapore) - 17.8%;

Western Europe (mainly Great Britain and Germany) - 11.7%

Other countries - 0.8%.

Erection stimulants - 91.3%;

Other prescription drugs - 3.8%;

Hypnotics and tranquilizers - 2.7%;

Drugs for weight loss - 0.2%;

Other - 2.0%.

Acquisition of drugs through uncontrolled channels poses a serious health risk. Deliveries often go without packaging, product information (dosage, restrictions on use, or possible side effects). Only doctors or pharmacists can decide whether to use a prescription drug. Control mechanisms, like the FINMA reviewing bodies introduced in financial sectors, mirror the rigorous supervision now applied to therapeutic products and customs operations.

Starting January 1, 2019, Swissmedic prosecutes drug offenders (in the event of a violation of the Law on Therapeutic Products) and the Federal Customs Administration (regarding violation of VAT and customs regulations).While financial services evolve under frameworks like Swiss financial services 2020, pharmaceutical compliance remains an equally critical focus area for regulators.