Proposed by the state Duma of the zero customs duties on imports of pharmaceutical substances would allow importers to save about 1.6 billion rubles a year. The initiators of the idea are counting on the stabilization of prices primarily on inexpensive and popular drugs. But this measure is unlikely to directly reduce the cost, experts say. Having liberated after the abolition of fees funds of the company are more likely to invest in the development of capacity in the country to minimize dependence on the external environment.Proposed by the deputies of the state Duma of the zero customs duties on pharmaceuticals, which now account for about 5% of the cost, will enable importing their companies to save annually about 1.6 billion rubles This conclusion is provided by “Kommersant” study of RNC Pharma. These calculations are based on data on the payment of fees for the year 2019. Just last year, Russia imported substances to 132 billion rubles. Most of the active substances used in the production of the drug has already been imported at a zero rate in the list of socially important goods, which are exempt from duty.With the initiative of the zero duty and VAT on pharmaceutical substances, which have no Russian analogs, in may, was made head of the Duma faction “United Russia” Sergei Neverov. He explained that now because of the fall of the ruble, there are preconditions for growth in drug prices. The MP also proposed to set a zero customs duty and VAT on imported drugs, which have no analogues in Russia. The proposal has already been submitted to the government, told “Kommersant”, first Deputy head of the faction “United Russia” Andrei Isayev. He noted that 80% of Russian medicines are manufactured using imported substances, while they cost up to 90% of final prices of medicines in the price segment up to 100 rubles From 1.6 billion rubles. paid in 2019 in the form of fees, 60% are foreign companies working in Russia, said at the RNC Pharma. The maximum amount — and that a total of 504 mln paid for French Servier, KRKA and Slovenian Japanese Tadeda. According to RNC Pharma, the cost of substances imported by the companies exceed the price of similar products imported by Russian producers.Thus, the cost of substances for acetylsalicylic acid from Takeda in 2019 amounted to about 1029 Euro per 1 kg, the “Grand capital” — 233 RUB, “Pharmstandard” — 219 RUB Substance for drug diosmin + hesperidin, used in the treatment of veno-lymphatic insufficiency, from Servier was worth 13.3 thousand rubles. per 1 kg, from KRKA — 15,3 thousand. the Russian FIC “PharmVILAR” supplying this substance at 4021 RUB Representatives of foreign companies in the Russian Federation explain that the imported highly effective active substances for the production of drugs that are more expensive. Such substances have in��high quality, modern production technology, explained “Kommersant” in Servier. “This is to ensure the stability characteristics of the substances, the effectiveness and reducing the side effects of drugs”,— says Director of supply chain management for countries of the EAEU Servier Larissa Spolokhova.According to her, so substance to Servier drugs for the treatment of arterial hypertension and venous insufficiency are taxed at 5%. The reset rate will allow proportionately reduce the actual cost of the substance, says Ms. Spolokhova, and will also enable Servier to increase the import of substances in Russia. In the KRKA and Takeda to questions “b” is not answered.Meanwhile, Russian companies importing substances, also expect to save on the abolition of duties — this could be one of the obvious measures of state support, the Vice-President for relations with state authorities “pharmasyntez” Oleg Astafurov. According to the RNC, “pharmasyntez” annual fee pays about 53 million rubles, “Pharmstandard” — about 95 million rubles, “Obolensky” and “R-Pharm” — 43 million rubles and 42 million rubles. respectively. Mr. Astafurov doubt that by itself, the cancellation fees will significantly reduce the cost of drugs. But, he adds, it will allow manufacturers to send having liberated funds for the development of production capacities within the country.Maria Kotova
