Gov reminds companies to submit annual list of small pet medicines

The government has announced that companies selling medicines for small pet animals under exemption from full authorisation must submit their annual product list to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 17 November 2025.

The requirement applies to all firms marketing veterinary medicines covered by Schedule 6 of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMR). It includes those already registered, regardless of when they first submitted details to the regulator.

The rule follows amendments to the VMR introduced in May 2024. The annual submission process aims to maintain compliance and improve oversight of medicines sold without a full marketing authorisation.

A spokesperson for the VMD said the updated process allows the regulator “to understand what products are marketed under the exemption, enabling enhanced oversight and fair regulation across the sector.”

The VMD also reminded companies that they must be registered before selling any products under the exemption. Firms are required to apply for registration at least two months before marketing any new or previously unregistered medicines. Failure to do so constitutes a breach of the VMR.

The exemption applies to medicines for aquarium animals, cage birds, homing pigeons, terrarium animals – including reptiles, amphibians and arthropods – as well as small rodents, ferrets and rabbits. Medicines for chickens, ducks and turkeys are not included, as these species are classed as food-producing animals.

This year, companies must complete their annual return using a new online form, which allows submission of up to 25 products at a time. Additional forms can be submitted if more products need to be listed. The previous PDF form can no longer be used.