FOI release

FOI2026/00086 – Process for import licenses

Published 20 March 2026

Your request

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I request the following administrative information regarding the VMD’s decision-making process for import licenses.  I am requesting existing records and metadata held by the Directorate.

1. Please provide the “Minute,” “Policy Review Paper,” or “Decision Record” from the most recent review of the Special Import Certificate (SIC) guidance (specifically Guidance Note 10).  Specifically, I request the record of the decision not to include “economic cost” as a valid ground for granting an SIC. If the VMD has never formally reviewed the option of allowing imports based on price differences, please confirm that “no decision record exists” regarding the assessment of economic availability.

2. Please provide the specific “Risk Entry” relating to “Legal Challenge to Import Restrictions,” “Trade Barriers,” or “Access to Medicines” as it appears on the VMD’s Strategic Risk Register. For this entry, please disclose:
   • The Risk Title.
   • The Residual Risk Score (e.g., Red/Amber/Green) recorded in December 2025.
   • The date this risk was last updated.

3. Please confirm whether the VMD holds a finalized “Impact Assessment” or “Competition Assessment” regarding the restriction of veterinary imports from the EU following the full implementation of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 (as amended). Please answer simply “Yes” or “No.”

Our reply

1. Please provide the “Minute,” “Policy Review Paper,” or “Decision Record” from the most recent review of the Special Import Certificate (SIC) guidance (specifically Guidance Note 10).  Specifically, I request the record of the decision not to include “economic cost” as a valid ground for granting an SIC. If the VMD has never formally reviewed the option of allowing imports based on price differences, please confirm that “no decision record exists” regarding the assessment of economic availability

No decision record exists regarding the assessment of economic availability.

The cascade and the accompanying import certificate scheme provide for the import of veterinary medicines from outside of the UK, within a framework that ensures that clinical suitability, rather than cost, drives the prescribing of medicines. These schemes ensure sufficient controls to protect human and animal health.

The cascade is a risk-based decision tree and has existed in UK law for over 30 years. The steps of the cascade allow a vet to use their clinical judgement to treat animals under their care where no authorised veterinary medicine is available for the specific indication or condition in the animal being treated, to avoid unacceptable suffering. The cascade risk-based decision tree contains potential risks increasing with each step down.

In relation to the cost of medicines, veterinary medicine is a private service, including the prescription and supply of veterinary medicines. The Government does not regulate the cost of medicines and pricing structures are not subject to legislative controls. Unlike the human medicines sector, the costs of veterinary medicines are controlled by market forces.

2. Please provide the specific “Risk Entry” relating to “Legal Challenge to Import Restrictions,” “Trade Barriers,” or “Access to Medicines” as it appears on the VMD’s Strategic Risk Register. For this entry, please disclose:

• The Risk Title.
• The Residual Risk Score (e.g., Red/Amber/Green) recorded in December 2025.
• The date this risk was last updated.

We do not have risk entries for “Legal Challenge to Import Restrictions,” “Trade Barriers,” or “Access to Medicines” on the VMD’s strategic risk register.

3. Please confirm whether the VMD holds a finalized “Impact Assessment” or “Competition Assessment” regarding the restriction of veterinary imports from the EU following the full implementation of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 (as amended). Please answer simply “Yes” or “No.”

Yes.