4. Information for retailers, pharmacists and SQPs supplying products in Northern Ireland from 1 January 2026

Details on the use of the Veterinary Medicine Internal Market Scheme (VMHSS) as it allows for the temporary authorisation of suitable alternative products where the animal or public health situation requires for all types of veterinary medicines.

4.1 Use of the schemes

Only vets can use the Veterinary Medicine Internal Market Scheme, as it involves a simplification of the Special Import Scheme which is only available to vets. However, the Veterinary Medicines Health Situation Scheme (VMHSS) is not limited to use by vets. The VMHSS allows for the temporary authorisation of suitable alternative products where the animal or public health situation requires; all types of veterinary medicines (not just prescription only) are eligible to be added.

Any withdrawal periods should follow those on the product labelling subject to its use in accordance with the product information, unless other cascade withdrawal periods apply (see section 1.6 – 1.8)

4.2 Availability of POM-VPS and NFA-VPS products

The vast majority of POM-VPS and NFA-VPS products will continue to be supplied, although we are aware that in some cases, suppliers are looking to make changes to pack sizes. All types of medicines can be added to the VMHSS, if the health situation so requires. We continue to monitor the situation closely and welcome feedback from retailers, pharmacists and SQPs regarding products where they anticipate this risk emerging.

Applying the Schemes: Case studies for veterinary professionals

Example 1: Supply continues unchanged

Type of Product: Meloxicam oral suspension for dogs
Scenario: This product is authorised in both Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Process:

  1. The manufacturer has updated its Marketing Authorisation to comply with EU requirements.
  2. The product continues to be distributed without interruption.
  3. Vets in Northern Ireland can prescribe and dispense it as usual.

Outcome: No action needed by the vet. Supply remains stable and compliant with post-2025 rules.

Example 2: Product discontinued but available via Veterinary Medicine Health Situation Scheme (VMHSS)

Type of Product: Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) Vaccine for cattle
Scenario: The product is notified to you by your supplier as being discontinued in Northern Ireland, and no authorised alternative product is available locally.

Process:

  1. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) identifies a public/animal health risk due to the lack of this product.
  2. Under VMHSS, the VMD temporarily authorises in Northern Ireland an EU-authorised alternative product. There may be specific requirements on a case-by-case basis, but there will be no requirement for additional labelling.
  3. The VMHSS list is updated on and republished on gov.uk, and anyone who has clicked on the ‘Get emails about this page’ button will be notified.
  4. The medicine can then be sourced from suppliers who are able to obtain the product.

Outcome:  The medicine can legally be used during the health situation, ensuring herd protection, without any additional paperwork or certificates required.

VMD will be responsible for reviewing the health situation to determine if this status continues to exist. If so, the product will remain on the list.  If not, VMD will remove it from the list and people will be notified by having clicked on the ‘Get emails about this page’ button. We encourage stakeholders to provide product-specific feedback if they anticipate any risks.

Example 3: Product accessed via Veterinary Medicines Internal Market Scheme (VMIMS)

Type of Product: GB-authorised antibiotic for exotic birds (e.g., Enrofloxacin solution)
Scenario: No equivalent product is authorised in Northern Ireland or the EU for this indication.

Process:

  1. The vet assesses the clinical need and confirms no authorised alternatives exist.
  2. Under the cascade, the vet prescribes the GB-authorised product.
  3. Under the VMIMS, the product is sourced from Great Britain without needing a special import certificate.
  4. The vet maintains the standard records of the prescribing decision and justification.

Outcome: The vet can treat the animal promptly, avoiding suffering, while remaining compliant with VMIMS rules.