VMD: New Veterinary Medicines Regulations now in force
21 May 2024
New Veterinary Medicines Regulations, which are in force from 17th May 2024, make changes to the requirements set out in the Veterinary Medicine Regulations 2013.
The Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMR) 2013 set out the controls on the marketing, manufacture, distribution, possession, and administration of veterinary medicines and medicated feed. The Veterinary Medicines (Amendment etc.) Regulations 2024 make changes to the VMR to ensure continued availability of safe and effective veterinary medicines in the UK.
This update to the VMR represents the biggest change to the legislation on veterinary medicines since 2013 and is intended to support VMD stakeholders by removing unnecessary burden, whilst ensuring VMD have the oversight it needs to protect animals, public health and the environment.
The changes apply to businesses throughout the veterinary medicines supply chain, including, for example pharmaceutical companies, distributors and prescribers such as vets in small animal practice.
The new Regulations include measures that help VMD build on reducing unnecessary use of antibiotics in animals which in turn will help reduce the risk of development and spread of antimicrobial resistance.
VMD publicly consulted on the changes in 2023, details of which can be found under the VMR Consultation on vmdconnect.uk, including the Government Response to the consultation.
VMD continue to work with their stakeholders to help them implement the changes and to support their compliance with the Regulations. VMD have published updated guidance that reflects the changes, which can be found under Veterinary Medicines Guidance on GOV.UK, and further information can be found on the VMD Information Hub.
If you have any questions about the new Regulations or feedback on the guidance, please contact VMD at vmr@vmd.gov.uk