German Pharmacy Reform Takes Effect in Phases
Germany's new pharmacy law, ApoVWG, became effective on July 2. The reform introduces changes to pharmacy operations, with new regulations rolling out in stages through 2027.
The "Apothekenversorgung-Weiterentwicklungsgesetz" (ApoVWG), Germany's significant reform of pharmacy services, has come into effect on July 2. While the law has been enacted, its provisions will be implemented in stages over the next few years.
Several key changes were immediately effective upon the law's enactment. These include an expanded 'zero retax' regulation, temporary (two-year) enhanced options for substituting unavailable discounted drugs, and the billing of partial quantities of finished medicinal products. Furthermore, doctor's offices can now collect prescriptions for residents of care facilities and forward them directly to the dispensing pharmacy until the end of 2028. The law also permits the storage of finished narcotic drugs in automated dispensing systems and allows the management of branch pharmacies to be shared by two pharmacists.
Physical space requirements for vaccinations, diagnostic tests, and blood draws have been relaxed. Pharmacy staff are now authorized to perform certain in-vitro diagnostic rapid tests and can dispense prescription-only medications without a prescription under specific conditions, though a proposed €5 surcharge for this service is still under negotiation. The law also temporarily removes exclusive rebate contracts for biosimilars.
Many significant provisions of the ApoVWG will become effective later. New pharmaceutical services, such as risk factor consultations and advice on smoking cessation, are slated to begin in early 2027. Pharmacy personnel will also be authorized to administer vaccinations and perform venous blood draws, with curriculum and agreement negotiations ongoing. The law also addresses adjustments to auxiliary tariffs and emergency service fees, with some changes taking effect in October 2026 and others in 2027.
The reform aims to adapt the pharmacy sector to current healthcare needs, improve medication availability, and expand the scope of services offered by pharmacies to patients across Germany.