Veterinary Medicines Regulations legislation introduced following industry consultation
The Government has introduced legislation to update the Veterinary Medicines Regulations and support the UK as an attractive place to develop and market veterinary medicines.
The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 set out the controls on the marketing, manufacture, distribution, possession, and administration of veterinary medicines and medicated feed. They are an important tool in helping to protect animal health, public health and the environment.
The legislation, which was introduced on 4 March, will implement the plans set out in the recent government response to last year’s public consultation, with which AIC engaged on behalf of its Members.
AIC's Head of Animal Feed James McCulloch said: "AIC is broadly supportive of the proposed changes to legislation but will continue to work with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and seek clarity on some aspects."
Proposed updates
The new regulations seek to reduce the regulatory burden and facilitate the submission of one marketing authorisation application dossier to enable common packaging to be used across the UK.
Other changes include the introduction of measures to help tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by increasing restrictions on the use of antibiotics and antibiotics administered via feed. MPs and Peers will now scrutinise the proposed legislation.
Abi Seager, Veterinary Medicines Directorate Chief Executive Officer, said: "I am delighted that this much-anticipated legislation has been brought to Parliament. We eagerly await parliamentarians discussing our proposals, and we hope they support these much-needed changes."
The new regulations build upon wider work on antimicrobial resistance outlined in the UK’s 20-year vision to contain and control antimicrobial resistance by 2040, delivered through the UK’s 5-year National Action Plan for AMR.
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