A public consultation on proposed changes to the Veterinary Medicines Regulations launched on 2 February 2022, seeking views on proposals to modernise the Regulations and maintain the UK as an attractive place to develop and market veterinary medicines.
The consultation sets out proposed changes to the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, as they apply in Great Britain.
The proposed changes will also introduce further measures to help tackle antimicrobial resistance and build on the success government and industry have already achieved.
The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013, as they apply in Great Britain, set out the controls on the marketing, manufacture, distribution, possession and administration of veterinary medicines and medicated feed.
They are a critical tool to help protect animal health, public health and the environment.
The consultation sets out proposals which will ensure that the regulations continue to be fit-for-purpose, with regulatory requirements that reflect developments in the industry and reduce regulatory burden where possible.
Improved clarity and consistency in the regulations will create more certainty for those involved in the health and welfare of animals.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate is inviting anyone with an interest to share their views on the proposals to enable proportionate and appropriate regulation.
The closing date for responses is 31 March 2023.
Lord Benyon, Minister for Biosecurity, Marine and Rural Affairs, said: “This consultation sets out detailed proposals to strengthen the regulations around veterinary medicines, to support this country continuing to be a world leader in animal health and welfare.
“These proposals modernise the Veterinary Medicines Regulations and include new measures to help tackle antimicrobial resistance which will contribute to delivering UK’s 5-year national action plan.”
The UK’s 5-year national action plan sets out the UK’s plan for antimicrobial resistance between 2019 to 2024.
Abi Seager, VMD’s CEO said: “As a key regulatory tool, these proposals will enable the realisation of opportunities that independent regulation carries.
“We have listened to the views of our stakeholders over the last few years and the resulting proposals aim to reduce regulatory burden, bring clarity and deliver regulation which balances the international supply landscape with our own national requirements’’.
Access the consultation documents directly through Citizen Space or by visiting the Veterinary Medicines Directorate’s new engagement website, where details are provided about several focused Q&A sessions that will be held in February.
