VMD launches call for evidence on the veterinary medicines regulatory framework

11 September 2025

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has launched a call for evidence in relation to their review of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMR). The Review is a statutory obligation which requires the government to assess the operation and impact of the legislation at least once every five years.

The review will examine the structure of the VMR and consider whether restructuring or consolidation would improve clarity and implementation. It will also evaluate whether the current legislation effectively protects animal and public health while avoiding unnecessary regulatory burden.

Those who may have a particular interest in responding to the Review include vets, vet nurses, vet pharmacists and suitably qualified persons (SQPs). Respondents 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.

Respondents can submit responses through the Citizen Space platform. If individuals are unable to use Citizen Space, the call for evidence documents can be downloaded and returned to VMD via email to vmr@vmd.gov.uk. The call for evidence closes at 23:59 on 26th September 2025. Any responses received after this date will not be analysed.

For further information on the call for evidence access the following: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/vmd-launches-call-for-evidence-on-the-medicines-and-medical-devices-act-as-it-applies-to-veterinary-medicine and for information and the VMR 2013 (as amended in 2024) access the following: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-veterinary-medicines-regulations-now-in-force