Illegal Medicinal Product Imports into Switzerland in 2025: More Consignments, Shifting Countries of Origin

Around twelve months ago, we reported on illegal medicinal product imports into Switzerland in 2024.

Swissmedic, the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products, has now once again provided information on illegal medicinal product imports and summarised the figures for 2025.

After the slight decrease recorded in 2024, the number of illegal medicinal product imports is rising again. In a communication dated 16 February 2026, Swissmedic reports that in 2025 a total of 6,647 consignments were detected in cooperation with the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) – an increase of 17% compared with the previous year.

There has also been a clear shift in the product spectrum. The proportion of erectile stimulants has fallen further to 41% (2024: 57%), while products for hair loss (19%) and hormones including melatonin (12%) have increased significantly. Sleeping tablets and tranquillisers as well as nasal sprays remain relevant categories. Medicinal products used to combat pathogens continue to account for 3% and are particularly problematic in view of antimicrobial resistance.

The origin of consignments is also striking: 40% now come from Western Europe – especially France and Germany. At the same time, the shares from India (20%) and Eastern Europe (15%) have declined. This development points to new distribution structures. Criminal intermediaries within the EU are apparently using transit countries strategically in order to make supply chains appear less conspicuous.

There is also increasing professionalisation of circumvention strategies. During an international focus campaign in November 2025, more than 2,000 consignments were inspected, over a quarter of which had to be confiscated. Particularly noticeable was the systematic splitting of larger orders into numerous small partial consignments. The aim of this practice is to remain below the tolerated import limit of a one-month supply for private individuals. By systematically matching related shipments, many of these attempts to circumvent regulations were identified and prevented.

The development shows that the illegal market is adapting flexibly – with new product trends, changing distribution routes and professionally organised structures. The health risks for consumers remain consistently high.