(JACKSON, Miss) – The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) applauds Mississippi Representative Stacey Wilkes, Senator Hob Bryan, and Governor Tate Reeves for passing and signing legislation into law requiring all manufacturers of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines containing pseudoephedrine (PSE) to participate in supporting the costs and administration of the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx) system – a real-time stop-sale technology that allows retailers to enforce PSE sales limits and assist law enforcement in preventing illegal PSE sales. This important step not only strengthens the NPLEx system overall, but it enhances its long-term viability in preventing illegal sales of medicines containing PSE in Mississippi.
“CHPA commends Mississippi for taking decisive action today to ensure the NPLEx system remains a powerful tool in stopping illegal sales, enhancing real-time collaboration between manufacturers, pharmacies, and law enforcement,” said Vice President of State & Local Government Affairs Carlos Gutierrez. By investing in a system that has already proven effective in combating illicit drug production, this law further reinforces public safety and sets a strong example for other states. A well-supported NPLEx benefits everyone – it protects communities, promotes transparency, and maintains responsible access – and CHPA encourages other states to follow Mississippi’s lead in sustaining this critical program.”
Background:
Thirty-eight states across the nation, including Mississippi, currently mandate the use of the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx) system, which is a real-time, stop-sale technology used by retailers and law enforcement to prevent the illegal sale of PSE to criminals who try to use it in the production of methamphetamine.
Mississippi first adopted NPLEx in 2021 when it allowed OTC sales of PSE, consistent with other states nationwide. Now, it is the first state to require that all manufacturers selling medicines with PSE must support the costs and administration of the NPLEx system, as well.
In 2024, the NPLEx system successfully blocked the illegal sale of nearly 2 million boxes of medicines containing PSE, preventing more than 5 million grams of PSE from getting into the hands of potential criminals. CHPA has been instrumental in advocating for the extension of the NPLEx system in multiple states and takes the diversion of its members' medicines very seriously. CHPA will continue working with elected officials to ensure states have the necessary tools to combat illegal sales of PSE, while also ensuring law-abiding citizens who depend on these medicines have continued access.
