The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 (VMR) 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. These Regulations are now in force.
This update to the VMR represents the biggest change to our legislation on veterinary medicines since 2013 and supports our stakeholders by removing unnecessary burden, whilst ensuring we have the oversight we need to protect our animals, our public health and our environment.
The changes apply to businesses throughout the veterinary medicines supply chain, including, for example pharmaceutical companies, distributors and prescribers.
The new Regulations include measures that help us build on our success in reducing unnecessary use of antibiotics in animals which will help reduce the risk of development and spread of antimicrobial resistance.
We 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.
We continue to work with our stakeholders to help them implement the changes and to support their compliance with the Regulations. We 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 us at vmr@vmd.gov.uk.