Companies marketing medicines for small pet animals that are exempt from the requirements of a Marketing Authorisation (MA) under Schedule 6 of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMR), must submit an annual list of products currently on the market to the VMD by 17 November 2025. This deadline applies to all registered companies, regardless of when they first registered.
This requirement follows changes to the VMR that came into effect in May 2024.
Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for medicines marketed without a full MA for specific small pet species.
This new requirement helps the VMD to understand what products are marketed under the exemption, enabling enhanced regulatory oversight of the market and fair regulation across the sector.
Registration reminder
The VMD would like to reiterate that all companies that market medicines exempt from authorisation must apply for registration with the VMD at least two months before marketing any products not previously registered.
Failure to do so is a breach of the VMR.
Who this applies to
Any company or person marketing veterinary medicines for small pet animals exempt from authorisation must complete the annual return. This includes medicines for:
- Aquarium animals (fish in closed water systems)
- Cage birds and homing pigeons
- Terrarium animals (reptiles, amphibians and arthropods)
- Small rodents
- Ferrets and rabbits
Medicines for chickens, ducks and turkeys are not covered by this exemption as these are classified as food-producing animals.
How to complete your annual return
To complete your annual return, and for detailed information about which products qualify for the exemption and manufacturing requirements, please refer to the full guidance; Products marketed under small pet animal exemptions: Registration – GOV.UK.
This year, you need to complete a new online form that allows you to add up to 25 products per submission. If you need to add more than this, you will need to submit a second form.
You will not be able to use the previous PDF form to complete your annual return. You will need to use the new online form to submit your annual return irrespective of when you registered the product with the VMD.
Companies must ensure they maintain their registration to continue legally marketing these exempt products.
If you have any questions specifically relating to registration, please contact: [email protected].
