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Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Protocol
Following the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, new regulatory arrangements have been put in place for veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland. Unlike the rest of the UK, Northern Ireland remains aligned with certain EU rules under the terms of the Northern Ireland Protocol. As a result, veterinary medicines marketed or supplied in Northern Ireland must comply with EU legislation rather than UK law.
This requirement will become mandatory after the current transition period ends at the close of 2025. From this point forward, any veterinary medicinal products intended for sale or use in Northern Ireland must meet all relevant EU standards and authorisations. Businesses and veterinary professionals operating in Northern Ireland should be aware of these changes and ensure their products and practices conform to the upcoming regulatory framework.
For further details and the latest updates on this topic, please refer to the VMD guidance pages.
