3. Further information for pet owners, farmers and other end users in Northern Ireland
Sourcing medicines via online pharmacies, impact on prices and trading with the EU, such as food products from 1 January 2026.
VMD has been working with wholesalers in Northern Ireland to ensure online pharmacies remain available to fulfil prescriptions in Northern Ireland, with several online pharmacies indicating that they have plans to make the adjustments to continue to supply Northern Ireland.
We understand that you may be concerned about the impact on prices as a result of these changes. We have seen from a number of pharmaceutical companies that they have made commitments not to increase prices as a direct result of the changes to supply they are making or have already made. Our current assessment is that companies are typically maintaining popular pack sizes for products they are supplying in Northern Ireland. In some cases, this will be the larger pack sizes, and in others, the smaller sizes, as this will vary by species and use.
This is a matter the Government is monitoring closely but are not seeing at a systemic level. We would welcome any further information from you on the estimated costs and what these entail. Please reach out to windsorframework@vmd.gov.uk
The use of these schemes will not in any way impair your ability to sell to businesses and consumers in the EU, including live animals or products of animal origin. Businesses in Northern Ireland will be able to sell in the EU as they do now, and they do not need to make any changes.