The VMD has today, 1 September 2025, launched a called for evidence on the Medicines and Medical Devices Act 2021 as it applies to the regulation of veterinary medicines.
The review will examine the structure of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 and consider whether restructuring or consolidation would improve clarity and implementation. The VMD wants to evaluate whether the current legislation effectively protects animal and public health while avoiding unnecessary regulatory burden.
The UK Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 were originally derived from EU legislation which was transposed into UK law. The Medicines and Medical Devices Act 2021, provides the primary powers that enable the UK to update and amend this legislation.
The review is a statutory obligation under the Medicines and Medical Devices Act 2021 which requires the government to assess the operation and impact of the legislation at least once every five years.
Who can submit evidence?
Anyone may respond to this call for evidence. Those who may have a particular interest include:
- Veterinary medicines marketing authorisation holders, manufacturers and wholesale distributors
- Vet surgeons, vet nurses, vet pharmacists and suitably qualified persons (SQPs)
- Farmers and other professional keepers of animals, and feed business operators
- Pet owners
Stakeholders are invited to share their views and experiences of the regulations, providing responses with specific examples where possible. The evidence gathered will inform potential future reforms to ensure the regulatory framework remains fit for purpose.
How to submit evidence
Our preferred way of receiving responses is through the Citizen Space platform.
If you are unable to use Citizen Space, you can download the call for evidence documents and return your response via email to vmr@vmd.gov.uk.
The call for evidence will run for 4 weeks and closes at 23:59 on 26 September 2025.
Any responses received after this date will not be analysed.
