The Bribery Act came into force on 1 July 2011. It has attracted much controversy, and because of its jurisdictional reach beyond the borders of the UK, it has given rise to concern in various industries including the pharmaceutical industry and in particular in the areas of hospitality, gifts and other inducements to healthcare professionals.

It is therefore welcome that the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry’s (ABPI) and the Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA) have agreed with the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) providing clarification about the enforcement for breaches of the ABPI Code in cases where a breach of the Code is also a potential breach of the Act.