Policy paper

Veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland

The Government’s approach to safeguarding the continued supply of veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland from 1 January 2026.

From:
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Veterinary Medicines Directorate
Published
19 June 2025
Last updated
19 June 2025 — See all updates

Documents

Protecting Animal Health: The Government’s Approach to Veterinary Medicines in Northern Ireland

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Protecting Animal Health: The Government’s Approach to Veterinary Medicines in Northern Ireland

PDF, 154 KB, 11 pages

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Details

The Government is committed to safeguarding the continued supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland.  

The supply of medicines to Northern Ireland is currently covered by a ‘grace period’ arrangement until 31 December 2025. This policy paper sets out the Government’s approach to the ongoing supply of veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland from 1 January 2026, including two schemes to ensure that the needs of animal health and welfare can continue to be met.  

We have also provided technical guidance to ensure that all those with an interest in the supply of veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland can be prepared for the new arrangements from 1 January 2026. 

Contact windsorframework@vmd.gov.uk if you have questions about the planned approach.

Updates to this page

Published 19 June 2025
Last updated 19 June 2025 show all updates

  1. Added a PDF version of the policy paper.

  2. First published.

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