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Medicinal products - register for the expert knowledge examination for the trade in over-the-counter medicinal products
In order to be able to sell so-called over-the-counter medicines, you must provide proof of the relevant expertise by passing an examination.
In principle, medicinal products may only be sold in pharmacies. However, there are exceptions for so-called over-the-counter medicines. These can be, for example, teas, ointments or tablets containing herbal substances such as valerian. If you wish to sell these products in your shop, an employee with proven expertise must always be on site. You can prove this expertise by passing the test.
Examination
In principle, medicinal products may only be sold in pharmacies. However, there are exceptions for so-called over-the-counter medicines. These can be, for example, teas, ointments or tablets containing herbal substances such as valerian. If you wish to sell these products in your shop, an employee with proven expertise must always be on site. You can prove this expertise by passing the test.
Examination
- In the exam, you must be able to answer questions about the proper storage of over-the-counter medicines, possible dangers of overdosing the active ingredients and legal regulations on handling and sale. The questionnaire comprises 50 multiple-choice questions and 5 open questions.
- If you have a university degree or vocational training in the field of pharmacy, you may already have the necessary expertise and do not have to prove this by taking a separate examination. You can find out more about this in the further information.
- You register in writing or online with the relevant IHK.
- The IHK confirms your registration.
- You take the exam on the chosen date.
- If you pass the exam, you will receive a certificate.
- After receiving the certificate, you are authorised to sell medicines that are not subject to the pharmacy obligation.
Sie können diese Dienstleistung auch online in Anspruch nehmen
Online processing
Prerequisites
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Appearance in person
You must appear in person for the examination. -
Observe registration deadline
Usually, the registration deadline is 3 weeks before the respective examination date.
Documents required
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Registration for the expert knowledge examination
Only online possible
You must register for this on the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) Berlin' s registration portal. - ID card with photo for identification at the examination
Fees
EUR 85.00
Legal basis
- Medicines Act (Arzneimittelgesetz or AMG) § 50
- Ordinance on Proof of Expertise in the Retail Trade of Over-the-Counter Medicinal Products (Verordnung über den Nachweis der Sachkenntnis im Einzelhandel mit freiverkäuflichen Arzneimitteln or AMSachKV) §§ 1 to 5
- Ordinance on medicinal products available only in pharmacies and over-the-counter medicinal products
- Examination regulations "Expertise in over-the-counter medicinal products"
- Fee schedule of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Section C.2.1)
Average time to process request
Usually, you will receive the certificate within a few days after passing the exam.
More information
- Overview of the Chambers of Industry and Commerce in Germany
- List of professional qualifications recognised as expertise instead of the examination
- Information on the examination from Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (Deutscher Industrie- und Handelskammertag or DIHK)
- Information on the Berlin Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) examination
- Information sheet of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) Berlin