You may sell certain non-prescription and non-pharmacy-only medicines outside of pharmacies. These are known as over-the-counter medicines. The ordinance on pharmacy-only and over-the-counter medicines specifies which medicines these are.

The retail sale of over-the-counter medicines is subject to notification. Companies and organisations must notify the competent authority before commencing this activity. This also applies to persons who carry out these activities independently and on a professional basis. The activity must also be notified to the competent authority prior to commencement for the dispensing of medicinal products in the travelling trade.

This notification in accordance with the Medicinal Products Act must be submitted in addition to the business registration in accordance with the Trade, Commerce and Industry Regulation Act.

Retail sales of over-the-counter medicinal products may only be carried out if the entrepreneur has the necessary expertise, either by a person legally appointed to represent the entrepreneur or by a person authorised to manage the company or to sell the products.

Expertise is not required in the case of medicinal products that may be dispensed in the travelling trade, are intended for the prevention of pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, or disinfectants or oxygen intended exclusively for external use.

In the case of companies with several branches, there must be a person with the necessary expertise for each branch. If over-the-counter medicines are offered for self-service, a person with the relevant expertise must be available during opening hours.

Proof of expertise must be provided by passing an examination at the relevant Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). Certain professional qualifications (e.g. pharmaceutical commercial clerk, pharmaceutical technical assistant) are also recognised as proof of expertise.