International import and export of pharmaceuticals - our services
As an international pharmaceutical wholesaler, ilapo supports pharmacies, clinics, doctors and the pharmaceutical industry in the import and export of international pharmaceuticals and medicines.
International pharmaceutical wholesaler for import and export.
Whether it's individual imports according to Section 73 Paragraph 3 of the German Medicines Act (AMG), global exports, reference products for studies, or GDP-compliant quality, our services ensure fast availability, regulatory compliance, and transparent documentation worldwide – so you can focus entirely on caring for your patients and projects.
our experience and approach makes the difference
Ilapo uses an inhouse ilapo database, international drug lists and databases, as well as our long-standing suppliers for global pharmaceutical research to find and retrieve the desired medicinces.
We review legally relevant requirements of Germany as well as the country of destination – such as Medicinal Products Act (AMG), Ordinance on Trading in Medicinal Products (AM-HandelsV), Good Distribution Practice (GDP), Export Administration Rules (AWV), Narcotics Act (BtMG), and organize customs clearance for imports and exports for you. You can find further details about our quality approach and our audits in the Quality and Sustainability section.
Below, you will find some concrete advantages for you that demonstrate the added value of working with ilapo in each area. These are specific and exemplary, as each delivery has its own unique characteristics.
Your benefit of our special services for the import and export of pharmaceuticals
We review legally relevant requirements of Germany as well as the country of destination – such as Medicinal Products Act (AMG), Ordinance on Trading in Medicinal Products (AM-HandelsV), Good Distribution Practice (GDP), Export Administration Rules (AWV), Narcotics Act (BtMG), and organize customs clearance for imports and exports for you. You can find further details about our quality approach and our audits in the Quality and Sustainability section.
Below, you will find some concrete advantages for you that demonstrate the added value of working with ilapo in each area. These are specific and exemplary, as each delivery has its own unique characteristics.
Unlicensed Medicines worldwide
We search worldwide for the medicine you need, import and test it at our site in Germany, and then export it to the desired destination country
- With over 50 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry, we know what makes a good supplier
- Our strength is quota medicines. This refers to medicines that manufacturers only supply to wholesalers in limited quantities.
- We draw upon a steady and daily proven supply chain.
- We provide temperature-controlled transport – safe and GDP-compliant.
- We dispose of a team of experts for particular regions and markets, so we can assist you in overcoming specific challenges (regulation, customs,...)
Reference products for industrial use
Everything you need for pharmaceutical manufacturing and from one reliable source.
- We offer high-quality finished medicinal products as reference products (Reference Listed Drugs / RLD, Innovator) for the development of generics or biosimilars (bioequivalence, bioanalytical tests)
- We use our house-intern ilapo database for research and sourcing of your required products
- Products from different (generics) manufacturers
- Different batches and expiration dates
Comparator products
We supply wholesalers and pharmaceutical manufacturers with comparator drugs for clinical trials
- Ilapo has acquired an in-depth experience in clinical trials.
- We use our house-intern ilapo database for research and sourcing of your required products.
- Access to and information about certificates, new batches and weekly/monthly availability on the market.
- We dispatch comparator drugs, concomitant medication (Co- & Pre-meds), emergency medication.
Early access programs
true to our core claim – closing the therapeutic gap, we offer Early Access Programs and Expanded Access Programs (EAPs) for pharmaceutical companies.
- We deeply account for the patient’s health condition.
- We know the requirements for medication.
- We promote and maintain intensive cooperation with industry and physicians.
Fast & reliable supply of international pharmaceuticals
Worldwide research and procurement
Safe & GDP-compliant transport in va-Q-tec cool box
Temperature-controlled transport for up to 96 hours
We deliver German products throughout the EU in max. 24 hours and outside the EU in max. 72 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Here you find selected FAQs that give you an idea what is necessary so we can deliver the desired pharmaceuticals.
We do not import controlled substances. We only export drugs controlled in Germany.
Because we need to comply with approval procedures and legal standards as well as special requirements for shipping pharmaceuticals in accordance with the BTMG (German Narcotics Act).
It takes 2-3 months to obtain the handling license for narcotics. After we receive the import license from you, we contact the German Federal Narcotics Bureau to apply for the export license. It takes another month to receive the license.
Please send us your import permit via email so that we can check to make sure it is acceptable before you send the original by regular mail. The German Chamber of Commerce does not issue a COO to us because this would require proof that the item is produced in Germany (and this can only be done by the manufacturer, not by a wholesaler).
The manufactured units are booked into the system by scanning the packaging after production. Before they can be handed over to the end customer, the serialized and clearly identifiable goods must be checked and validated again at the point of sale (e.g., pharmacy) by scanning the data matrix printed on the packaging.
As soon as the goods leave the EU, they need to be decommissioned. Exceptions are not possible.
We require prepayment for the first three orders. After these initial payments have been processed without problem, payment will be due within 14 days after invoice.
In accordance with GDP rules, we have to verify you as a customer before you can place an order.
Only with a special carrier (not a parcel service) can we determine whether it is possible to replace our shipment documents against yours and arrange a blind shipment. However, in many cases this is not possible because the original shipment documents are required for customs clearance.
ilapo uses special cool boxes and can add a datalogger.
There is an exception for medicines shipped over land. According to special provision 601 in the ADR:
"Ready-to-use pharmaceutical products (drugs) manufactured and packaged for retail or distribution for personal or domestic use are not subject to the requirements of ADR." Unfortunately, this exemption does not apply to transport via ship (inland waterways only).
Typical documents include a physician’s prescription or order, pharmacy documentation, batch certificates, and customs documents. ilapo ensures all paperwork is complete.
Depending on the destination country, WHO certificates and national export authorizations may be required. ilapo provides all necessary documentation and manages communication with the authorities.
