2. Guidance for pharmaceutical companies, wholesalers and retailers supplying veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland
Use and movement of veterinary medicines on the market in Northern Ireland before 1 January 2026.
Veterinary medicines that are in stock, either in vet practices or wholesalers or retailers, before 31 December 2025, can be used up until their expiry date. This also includes products which are not yet physically in Northern Ireland but have been batch released and have an offer or (verbal or written) agreement for sale. Such products can still be moved to Northern Ireland in the same way that they are now.
VMD has been working with retailers in Northern Ireland to ensure online pharmacies remain available, with several online pharmacies indicating that they have plans to make the adjustments to continue to supply Northern Ireland.
Products that currently have a UK wide Marketing Authorisation (a 4000 number) can continue to be marketed in Northern Ireland
There are no changes to pharmacovigilance reporting, and these procedures remain unchanged, including where a product is sourced from the EU.
Wholesalers or retailers in Great Britain can fulfil a Northern Ireland prescription for a product if either the product is obtained under the cascade or the required batch testing and release activities will be performed in Northern Ireland.