Reference price groups and reference prices

The Pharmaceuticals Pricing Board confirms reference price groups for medicinal products, reference prices set for the reference price groups, and medicinal products included in the reference price groups. Decision are based on price notifications submitted four times a year.

The Board must take a decision at the latest seven days before the start of each reference price period. Decisions are issued in electronic form and published on the website of the Pharmaceuticals Pricing Board. A decision on reference price groups and reference prices will enter into force in the beginning of the reference price period and is valid for the duration of the period. A valid wholesale price and a VAT-inclusive retail price are also confirmed for each product included in a reference price group in the beginning of the reference price period.

The holder of the marketing authorisation may contest a decision of the Pharmaceuticals Pricing Board by lodging an appeal with the Helsinki Administrative Court. Despite lodging an appeal, the decision of the Pharmaceuticals Pricing Board must be complied with until the matter has been resolved with a final decision.