Brazil’s health regulator, Anvisa, is reviewing MercadoLibre’s plans to sell prescription drugs through its online marketplace. The agency notified the company on September 28 and requested detailed information about its pharmaceutical operations and compliance with local health regulations.
Anvisa gave MercadoLibre three business days to respond. It also ordered the company to halt sales of the products until it proves the operation is legal.
The inquiry follows MercadoLibre’s recent announcement that it would begin selling prescription medications. Anvisa says no specific regulation currently authorizes online marketplaces to broker drug sales. The agency is seeking details on which entity is responsible for MercadoLibre’s pharmacy, its licensing, and how it verifies prescriptions and handles medicines.
MercadoLibre says it complies with all applicable regulations and ensures full traceability of its products.