Search for:
Product Regulation & Liability

Singapore: Revisions to the SAPI Code effective from 1 February 2024

By and 2 Mins Read

In brief

The Singapore Association of Pharmaceutical Industries Code of Conduct (“SAPI Code“) has been amended to increase limits for providing hospitality in relation to food and drinks during events, and to clarify that company-branded, single-use, disposable tableware are permitted at third-party events.

The revisions are effective from 1 February 2024.  

Key takeaways

  • The amended Article 7.1.5 increases the limit, from SGD 120 to SGD 150, for providing hospitality in relation to food and drinks to healthcare professionals (HCPs) during events.
  • Under the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section, the SAPI Code now clarifies that single-use, disposable tableware may be company branded for use at company booths at third-party events. That said, product branding is not allowed.

In depth

The SAPI Code provides guidance for its member companies in the marketing and promotion of pharmaceutical products and serves as the basis for self-discipline in the pharmaceutical industry.

In particular, the SAPI Code provides standards to facilitate member companies’ interactions with HCPs, medical institutions, patient organizations (i.e., not-for-profit institutions that represent the interests and needs of patients, their families and/or caregivers). These standards ensure the ethical promotion of pharmaceutical products.

The SAPI Code is an industry code and does not strictly have force of law (i.e., non-compliance with the SAPI Code is not in itself a breach of local regulations). The SAPI Code is only drafted for member companies’ compliance. Nonetheless, the SAPI Code presents a set of industry-accepted best practices in relation to the marketing and promotion of therapeutic products, including pharmaceutical companies’ interactions with HCPs.

The latest version of the SAPI Code may be found here.

* * * * *

LOGO_Wong&Leow_Singapore

© 2024 Baker & McKenzie.Wong & Leow. All rights reserved. Baker & McKenzie.Wong & Leow is incorporated with limited liability and is a member firm of Baker & McKenzie International, a global law firm with member law firms around the world. In accordance with the common terminology used in professional service organizations, reference to a “principal” means a person who is a partner, or equivalent, in such a law firm. Similarly, reference to an “office” means an office of any such law firm. This may qualify as “Attorney Advertising” requiring notice in some jurisdictions. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Categories:
Author

Andy Leck is the head of the Intellectual Property and Technology (IPTech) Practice Group and a member of the Dispute Resolution Practice Group in Singapore. He is a core member of Baker McKenzie's regional IP practice and also leads the Myanmar IP Practice Group. Andy is recognised by reputable global industry and legal publications as a leader in his field. He was named on "The A-List: Singapore's Top 100 lawyers" by Asia Business Law Journal 2018. In addition, Chambers Asia Pacific notes that Andy is "a well-known IP practitioner who is highlighted for his record of handling major trade mark litigation, as well as commercial exploitation of IP rights in the media and technology sectors. He's been in the industry for a long time and has always been held in high regard. He is known to be very fair and is someone you would like to be in the trenches with you during negotiations." Furthermore, Asian Legal Business acknowledges Andy as a leading practitioner in his field and notes that he “always gives good, quick advice, [is] client-focused and has strong technical knowledge for his areas of practice.” Andy was appointed by the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) as an IP Adjudicator to hear disputes at IPOS for a two-year term from April 2021. He has been an appointed member of the Singapore Copyright Tribunal since May 2010 and a mediator with the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center. He is also appointed as a Notary Public & Commissioner for Oaths in Singapore. He previously served on the International Trademark Association’s Board of Directors and was a member of the executive committee.

Author

Ren Jun Lim is a principal with Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow. He represents local and international clients in both contentious and non-contentious intellectual property matters. He also advises on a full range of healthcare, as well as consumer goods-related legal and regulatory issues. Ren Jun co-leads Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow's Healthcare as well as Consumer Goods & Retail industry groups. He sits on the Law Society of Singapore IP Committee and on the Executive Committee of the Association of Information Security Professionals. He is also a member of the Vaccines Working Group, Singapore Association of Pharmaceutical Industries, a member of the International Trademark Association, as well as a member of the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Association. Ren Jun is ranked in the Silver tier for Individuals: Enforcement and Litigation and Individuals: Prosecution and Strategy, and a recommended lawyer for Individuals: Transactions by WTR 1000, 2020. He is also listed in Asia IP's Best 50 IP Expert, 2020, recognised as a Rising Star by Managing IP: IP Stars, 2019 and one of Singapore's 70 most influential lawyers aged 40 and under by Singapore Business Review, 2016. Ren Jun was acknowledged by WTR 1000 as a "trademark connoisseur who boasts supplementary knowledge of regulatory issues in the consumer products industry." He was also commended by clients for being "very responsive to enquiries and with a keen eye for detail, he is extremely hands-on. His meticulous and in-depth approach to strategising is key to the excellent outcomes we enjoy."

Related Posts