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The Belgian Association of Parallel Importers and Exporters (BAPIE), representing the parallel trade sector of medicines in Belgium, is delighted to announce that Pieter Boudrez has joined BAPIE to become President of the association from 1 January 2024. He will take over this position from Mr. Tanguy Schmitz who is retiring after more than 20 years of successful work and policymaking on behalf of BAPIE in Brussels.  Reacting to his appointment, Pieter stated: “I am honoured and delighted to represent the BAPIE members. There are lots of opportunities ahead of us in Belgian policy-making to defend and reinforce the parallel trade…

At the occasion of our symposium to celebrate our 10th Anniversary, Tanguy Schmitz, president of BAPIE (Belgian Association of Parallel Importers and Exporters), did a presentation to explain how parallel trade works in Belgium. "BAPIE was created 10 years ago between two parallel import companies. Among the founders, myself and Gregory Tjoens. BAPIE is located at 26, rue des Deux Eglises in Brussels and shares its offices with Affordable Medicines Europe, the coupole organisation of parallel trade in Europe. BAPIE has developped through the years and gathers today around 10 companies active in parallel import, export or distribution of medications…

On 3 May 2023, we celebrated our 10th anniversary with a symposium and a cocktail reception.On this occasion, we had the pleasure to welcome renowned panelists:Jan Bertels, Head of Cabinet of Frank Vandenbroucke, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Social Affairs and Public HealthKasper Ernest, Secretary General of Affordable Medicines EuropeTanguy Schmitz, President of BAPIEWe also welcomed Hanne Decoutere, Journalist and newsreader at VRT, as our moderator.The symposium gave us the opportunity for a fruitful debate and to look back at the tasks accomplished and the challenges ahead of us. It was also the occasion of reaffirming our mission: to…

INLEIDINGBAPIE (vzw) is de beroepsvereniging van parallelle invoerders, uitvoerders en distributeurs van geneesmiddelen in België. Deze 'short range' groothandelaars hebben een beperkt assortiment geneesmiddelen in voorraad, die ze heel goed kennen omdat ze voor elk van die geneesmiddelen een vergunning voor het in de handel brengen hebben verkregen - niet te verwarren met groothandelaars-verdelers, die het hele assortiment geneesmiddelen in voorraad hebben in hun winkels zonder vergunning voor het in de handel brengen. BAPIE werd opgericht in 2012 en viert in 2022 haar tiende verjaardag. Tot haar leden behoren de meeste ondernemingen die op dit gebied actief zijn. Hun activiteit…

INTRODUCTIONLa BAPIE (ASBL) est l’association professionnelle qui regroupe les grossistes importateurs, exportateurs et distributeurs parallèles de médicaments en Belgique. Ces grossistes « short range » ont en stock une gamme limitée de médicaments mais qu’ils connaissent bien puisqu’ils ont obtenu pour chacun d’entre eux une Autorisation de Mise sur le Marché - à ne pas confondre avec les grossistes -répartiteurs, qui stockent toute la gamme des médicaments en leur magasin sans aucune AMM. La BAPIE a été créée en 2012 ; elle célébrera en 2022 ses dix ans d’existence. Ses membres englobent l’essentiel des sociétés actives dans ce domaine. Leur…

Tanguy Schmitz, president of the Belgian Association of Parallel Importers & Exporters (BAPIE) outlines some of the recent work that the parallel distribution industry to ensure the supply of medicines across Belgium and Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic, rebuffs some of the negative stereotypes that the industry has garnered, and explains the vital role that BAPIE plays in defending the interests of parallel importers and exporters in Belgium.The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all aspects of the healthcare value chain, with some EU Member States banning parallel exports of certain “essential” drugs. How are BAPIE’s members adjusting to the current extraordinary times?As…

When a medicine shortage occurs, patients — our loved ones — are the ones most affected. Parallel distribution can help fill the gap.  How? Say Belgium has a shortage. Parallel distributors fill the gap by taking surplus from other EU countries and delivering it to Belgium. Without this process, patients miss out on the medications they need to live a healthy, happy life.Parallel distribution means delivering medicine to the people who need it!Help #FillTheGap to support an open EU market for medication. Follow us on X and learn more about how we alleviate shortages.