EFPIA issues joint statement on Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive

Article summary

The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) has issued a joint statement with the Association of the European Self-Care Industry acknowledging the Council of the EU's approval of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive but expressing concerns over its impact on medicine access and industry competitiveness. The associations argue that the Directive’s Extended Producer Responsibility imposes a disproportionate financial burden solely on human pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, overlooking the polluter-pays principle. They call for fair implementation involving all polluting sectors and urge the EU to conduct an impact assessment to address cost implications for medicine availability.