Parallel import — also called parallel trade or parallel sourcing — is the practice of obtaining a genuine, regulator-approved medicine that has been placed on the market in one country and supplying it into another, taking advantage of differences in price or availability between markets while staying within applicable law. The product is the same authorised medicine; what changes is the route it travels. GNH USA is a US-based, WHO GDP-certified pharmaceutical distributor serving healthcare providers, pharmacies, hospitals and importers worldwide. We help our partners access authentic medicines through compliant parallel sourcing, with full documentation at every step.
Why parallel sourcing
Genuine product, sourced where it makes sense
Genuine medicines
Every product is the authentic, manufacturer-made medicine approved by a recognised regulator — sourced through legitimate channels, not parallel to quality.
Worldwide reach
From our US base we source from regulator-approved markets and supply partners across the world, matching demand to genuine available supply.
Price and availability
Parallel sourcing can improve cost and access by drawing on a market where the same product is stocked or more competitively priced.
Full documentation
Each consignment carries the paperwork that lets the supply chain be traced and the regulatory basis demonstrated end to end.
WHO GDP handling
Storage, transport and release follow WHO Good Distribution Practice, protecting integrity throughout the journey.
Source verification
We confirm the origin and authorisation status of every product before it enters the chain, so what arrives is exactly what was ordered.
GNH USA's role sits on the supply side of the parallel route: to identify a market where the same authorised medicine is available, verify its origin and authorisation, handle it under WHO GDP-certified conditions, and deliver it with the documentation an importer or pharmacy needs to satisfy local rules. The regulatory responsibility in the destination market stays with the local parties; we make the global sourcing and logistics dependable.
You can request a medicine at any time, or read about our comparator sourcing for clinical trials, where the same verified, regulator-approved sourcing supports research supply.
Genuine product, compliant route
Parallel import is a legitimate, well-established practice — most familiar within the EU and EEA, where free-movement rules allow an authorised medicine sold in one member market to be supplied into another. It is fundamentally different from counterfeit, falsified or unlicensed supply. GNH USA deals only in genuine, regulator-approved medicines, sourced through legitimate channels and handled under WHO GDP, with import and onward supply carried out subject to the requirements that apply in each market.
The process
From enquiry to delivery
- Step 01
Enquiry
You tell us the medicine, quantity and destination market, along with any regulatory context that applies locally.
- Step 02
Sourcing
We identify a market where the genuine, regulator-approved product is available and suited to a compliant parallel route.
- Step 03
Verification and documentation
We confirm the product's origin and authorisation and assemble the documentation needed for compliant import and traceability.
- Step 04
Quality assurance
Internal quality checks are completed under WHO GDP before any product is released for shipment.
- Step 05
Delivery
The medicine ships via validated, temperature-controlled lanes to the destination, with paperwork accompanying the consignment.
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Source a medicine through compliant parallel import
Genuine product only
Authentic, regulator-approved medicines from legitimate channels — never counterfeit or unlicensed.
Sourced worldwide
From markets where the same authorised product is available, into your destination.
WHO GDP cold-chain
Temperature-sensitive medicines move through validated, monitored lanes.
Documented and traceable
Each consignment carries the paperwork to demonstrate origin and compliance.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is parallel import of pharmaceuticals?
Parallel import, sometimes called parallel trade, is the practice of buying a genuine, regulator-approved medicine that has been placed on the market in one country and supplying it into another. It takes advantage of differences in price or availability between markets. The product is the same authorised medicine made by the same manufacturer; only the route it travels is different.
Is parallel import legal?
Yes, where it is carried out within the applicable rules. It is a well-established and recognised practice, most familiar within the EU and EEA, where free-movement principles allow a medicine authorised in one market to be supplied into another. Requirements vary by country, so each supply is arranged subject to the import and regulatory rules that apply in the destination market.
How is parallel import different from counterfeit or unlicensed medicines?
Parallel import deals exclusively in genuine, manufacturer-made medicines that already hold a regulatory authorisation, obtained through legitimate channels. Counterfeit and falsified products are illegal imitations, and unlicensed supply involves products without the required authorisation. GNH USA supplies only authentic, regulator-approved medicines and verifies the source of every product.
What advantage does parallel sourcing offer?
Because the same authorised medicine can be priced or stocked differently from one market to another, parallel sourcing can improve cost or availability for the buyer without changing what is supplied. The benefit is logistical and commercial rather than any difference in the product itself.
How does GNH USA ensure the medicines are genuine?
GNH USA is a US-based, WHO GDP-certified distributor. We confirm the origin and authorisation status of every product before it enters the supply chain, handle it under WHO Good Distribution Practice, and supply it with documentation that allows the source and compliance basis to be traced end to end.
Who can use this service?
Pharmacies, hospitals, wholesalers, importers and other healthcare buyers worldwide can enquire. Import and onward supply proceed in line with the requirements that apply in the destination market, with the buyer carrying local regulatory responsibility.
Related
Other services
Clinical Trials Supply
End-to-end IMP sourcing, kitting and depot-to-site logistics — GDP-compliant warehousing, manufacturer relationships and a full source-to-site audit trail.
Name Patient Supply
Compliant supply of unlicensed and rare medicines for individual patients. WHO GDP-certified, with verified prescriptions and validated cold-chain shipping.
Validated Cold Chain Shipment
WHO GDP-validated cold-chain shipping for biologics, vaccines and temperature-sensitive medicines — qualified boxes and en-route temperature monitoring.