16 December 2024 – Since 2019, Swissmedic has served as Switzerland’s official national point of contact (SPOC) for combating therapeutic products crime under the Medicrime Convention. As SPOC, Swissmedic ensures an efficient exchange of information between national and international authorities to combat illegal medicinal products and medical devices. In Switzerland, various competent authorities from different specialist fields work together to protect public health and prevent the trade of illicit therapeutic products.

The Medicrime Convention, initiated by the Council of Europe, is the first international legal instrument specifically aimed at combating cross-border therapeutic products crime. Switzerland was one of the first countries to sign the Convention and Swissmedic has taken on a central role as the national SPOC. This role involves collaboration with authorities such as the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS), the Federal Police (fedpol), and various cantonal and international partners.

For the past five years, Swissmedic has organized the annual «Medicrime Meeting», which brings together authorities from different legal frameworks to develop new strategies, create synergies, and optimize the exchange of information in the fight against illegal therapeutic products. At the most recent meeting, held in September 2024, topics such as e-commerce, illegal offers on social media, and the prosecution of medicinal product smuggling were discussed. The ongoing exchange of legal and scientific expertise remains essential to disrupt illicit networks.

For more information, see here.