Table of Contents
JACKSON, Miss. – A new Mississippi law aims to enhance the fight against unlawful purchases of over-the-counter medicines containing pseudoephedrine (PSE). The Consumer Healthcare Products Association applauded the move, highlighting its role in reinforcing public safety and preventing illegal drug production.
The legislation, signed into law by Governor Tate Reeves and championed by Representative Stacey Wilkes and Senator Hob Bryan, mandates that all manufacturers of PSE-containing medicines contribute to the costs and administration of the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx) system. This real-time, stop-sale technology enables retailers to enforce sales limits and aids law enforcement in blocking illicit transactions.
“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.”
Mississippi, which first implemented NPLEx in 2021, now becomes the first state to require manufacturers to support the system financially. NPLEx has already proven effective, with nearly 2 million boxes of PSE-containing medicines blocked from unlawful sale in 2024 alone, preventing over 5 million grams of PSE from being diverted for illicit drug production.
With 38 states utilizing NPLEx, CHPA continues to advocate for its expansion, ensuring that law-abiding citizens retain access to these essential medications while curbing their misuse.
