VMD updates export certificate guidance
VMD made changes to the guidance to help remove admin burdens.
Guidance on how to apply for a veterinary medicine export certificate has been updated to reflect new procedures.
Earlier this year, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) announced that it had implemented changes to the Export Certificate Scheme.
Additional pages may be submitted as part of Defra-1, Defra-2 and Defra-4 applications, which can be attached to the export certificate.
The authorities of importing countries have stringent rules on the paperwork that the importer must provide. This could include information that the VMD cannot verify, which is why the change has been introduced.
While the VMD will approve additional pages, the information cannot contradict that included in the export certificate, export certificate schedule, product literature, summary of product characteristics or the manufacturing or marketing authorisation.
Additional pages must include certain wording in a box at the foot of each page. For the wording, view the VMD's guidance.
The VMD also removed the requirement to provide indemnity letters and an annual updated list of personnel at each of the companies authorised to apply for export certificates.
In addition, there is a target of 10 working days for the VMD to issue the export documentation or inform the importer of why the certificate will not be issued.
The VMD is rewriting all of its guidance to better meet the needs of users.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
