Tax proposal targets pharmacy networks

Article 10 of the 2027 Social Security Financing Bill (PLFSS) introduces a 15% tax on specific payments made by laboratories to pharmacy groups, potentially generating 120 million euros annually. The tax would apply to remuneration tied to services provided by these groups to pharmacies.

Potential costs for pharmacies

Estimates suggest this tax could cost each pharmacy around 6,000 euros per year, though these figures are unverified and depend on the economic structure of the groups. The impact on pharmacies could vary significantly based on their size and the financial arrangements within their networks.

Industry concerns over response options

Emmanuel Schoffler, president of Aprium Pharmacie (Healthy Group), warns that pharmacy groups may have limited ways to respond to the tax. Options could include reducing services, raising member contributions, or cutting financial benefits, all of which could negatively affect pharmacies' operations.

Uncertainty in revenue distribution

Julien Chauvin, president of the Studies and Economic Strategy Committee at the Federation of French Pharmaceutical Unions (FSPF), notes that higher contributions might be acceptable if they lead to better remuneration for pharmacies. However, the proposed mechanism does not guarantee that the 120 million euros collected would be redistributed to pharmacies.

Need for clearer service justification

The reform may require pharmacy networks to provide more detailed justification for the value of their services. This includes explaining the cost of commercial support and how industrial remuneration is divided between services and member contributions. A PharmedInsight survey found that 92% of surveyed pharmacists see their group as an economic asset, though this does not confirm actual profitability.

Transparency as a potential solution

Under Article 10, affiliated pharmacies could receive annual reports detailing the services provided and the group's remuneration. Pierre-Olivier Variot, president of the Union of Pharmacy Office Unions (USPO), suggests this transparency could help distinguish between groups that redistribute funds and those that do not.

Impact on smaller pharmacies

Smaller pharmacies may be more vulnerable to the changes, as joining a group provides access to commercial tools and conditions that are hard to achieve individually. An increase in contributions or reduction in services could have a greater impact on their financial stability.

Potential for sector consolidation

Financially strong pharmacy groups may be better able to absorb the tax, while smaller ones could face pressure to adjust prices or services. This could lead to increased concentration in the sector, though the extent of this effect remains to be seen.