Counterfeit alcohol measure: Restrictions introduced

The "Communiqué on the Procedures and Principles Regarding the Determination of the Market Supply, Purpose of Use, and Quantity of Ethyl Alcohol for Medical Use" prepared by the Ministry has been published in the Official Gazette and has entered into force.

The communiqué regulates the procedures and principles regarding the supply of ethyl alcohol for medical use to the domestic market, its purpose and area of use, its quantity, and the administrative sanctions to be applied to those who act in violation of the communiqué, with the aim of preventing legally marketed ethyl alcohol from being subject to illegal trade.

Accordingly, healthcare providers belonging to public institutions and organizations will be able to purchase ethyl alcohol for medical use in quantities compatible with their activities.

Healthcare providers, animal health organizations, animal shelters, care, rehabilitation, and treatment centers belonging to public institutions and organizations, and other health institutions deemed appropriate by the Department of Tobacco and Alcohol (TADAB) will not be able to supply the ethyl alcohol they purchase for medical use to the market, either for a fee or free of charge, and will not be able to use it outside the areas of use determined by the communiqué.

50 THOUSAND LITER LIMIT FOR WHOLESALERS

Wholesale distributors of ethyl alcohol will not be able to hold more than 50 thousand liters of ethyl alcohol for medical use in their stocks under any circumstances. As of today, wholesalers holding more than 50 thousand liters of ethyl alcohol for medical use in their stocks will not be able to purchase new products until this amount falls below 50 thousand liters.

Excluding those belonging to public institutions and organizations, pharmacies, veterinary practices, and clinics will be able to provide 5 liters of ethyl alcohol for medical use per month, primary healthcare providers 10 liters, and animal hospitals 40 liters.

Second and third-level healthcare providers will be able to purchase 1,000 and 2,000 liters of the product in question annually.

Applications from other health institutions where the use of ethyl alcohol for medical purposes is mandatory, and the usage quantities of those found appropriate, will be evaluated by TADAB.

REQUIREMENT FOR MINISTRY LETTER FOR EXCESS ALCOHOL DEMAND

In the event that second and third-level healthcare providers request more ethyl alcohol, they must obtain a letter of approval from the Ministry of Health and submit it to TADAB.

With the regulation, an obligation to keep records regarding the quantities and areas of use has also been introduced for healthcare providers, animal health organizations, and animal shelters, care, rehabilitation, and treatment centers belonging to public institutions and organizations that purchase and use ethyl alcohol for medical purposes.

News Source: 12punto