Sofia, 5 September 2025 – Bulgaria’s Commission on Protection of Competition (CPC) has identified major concerns in the country’s pharmaceutical market as part of an ongoing sectoral analysis of wholesale and retail trade in medicines.
In recent weeks, the authority has held a series of meetings with professional associations, including the Bulgarian Pharmaceutical Union and the Bulgarian Medical Association, to discuss the structure and functioning of the sector.
According to the CPC, two key problem areas have emerged so far. The first relates to the parallel export of medicines and the system for monitoring stocks of products listed in the national Positive Drug List. The regulator noted that certain legal provisions currently in place allow for a more liberal interpretation of stock tracking obligations, which could undermine supply security.
The second issue concerns vertical integrations in the sector. Although Bulgarian law limits individuals to registering no more than four pharmacies, the CPC said this restriction is being circumvented through networks of formally independent companies, effectively creating larger retail chains.
The watchdog signalled that legislative and regulatory changes may be needed to address both challenges.
Beyond these two areas, the CPC is also examining other potential competition concerns, including allegations of unfair treatment of pharmacies by wholesalers, supply restrictions on certain products, and practices that could harm patient access to medicines.
The authority stressed that if evidence of anti-competitive practices, abuse of dominance, or prohibited agreements emerges during the inquiry, it will launch formal proceedings.
The sectoral analysis, which is ongoing, aims to strengthen competition conditions across the supply chain and reduce risks of medicine shortages in Bulgaria.
Source: https://www.cpc.bg/news-438
