FOI release

FOI - Regulatory Requirements for Animal Implants

Published 13 January 2026

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vmd-foieir-requests-october-2025/foi-regulatory-requirements-for-animal-implants

ATI1127 Request

I am writing to respectfully request information regarding the specific regulatory requirements for implants intended for use in animals.

I would like to request information on how, under the current legislation in the United Kingdom, the following products intended for veterinary use should be classified:

  • Orthopaedic implants (plates and screws) for the stabilisation of bone fractures in animals, used e.g. in long bone fractures and periarticular injuries,

  • Reusable surgical instruments intended for veterinary orthopaedic procedures, used for cutting, fixing, bending, positioning and removing implants,

  • Orthopaedic wires and rods used for stabilisation of bone fragments, osteotomies, and as guides for the insertion of other implants,

  • Orthopaedic staples used for stabilisation in osteotomies, arthrodeses, and fractures in limbs.

These products:

  • do not contain active substances,

  • are made of stainless steel, titanium, nickel-titanium alloy and aluminium.

Our reply

Your request has been refused under Section 14(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

This section allows public authorities to refuse a request that is identical or substantially similar to a previous request from the same individual, where a reasonable interval has not elapsed.

You previously submitted a request on 18th August 2025, to which we responded on the same day, providing the requested information. As the current request is substantially similar and no significant changes have occurred since our last response, we consider that a reasonable interval has not passed. Accordingly, we are not obliged to comply with your request.

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