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03/03/2022

On-line sale of veterinary medicinal products

Regulation (EU) 2019/6 on veterinary medicinal products (PDF) lays down the rules applicable to the on-line sale of veterinary medicinal products on the internet in the European Union. A common logo has been adopted to ensure a visual identity of the authorised websites. Hyperlinks between the various sales sites and the official websites of the ANMV and EMA make it possible to verify the legality of the sales site.

The quality and safety of medicines purchased on an unauthorised site are not guaranteed, falsified (false or falsely labelled) or counterfeit medicines may be offered there and harm the health of animals or persons in charge of the administration. In order to ensure that authorised veterinary medicinal products are accessible to users in accordance with the distribution chain, European and national legislations have laid down the conditions for carrying out this activity.

Strict conditions for the on-line sale of veterinary medicinal products

Article 104 of Regulation (EU) 2019/6 allows for the on-line sale of medicinal products which are not subject to prescription only, including between Member States. Limitation rules may differ from one Member State to another. It is forbidden to sell medicines online in France for which a veterinary prescription is required. Only non-prescription veterinary medicinal products authorised in France (and therefore labelled in French) can be purchased online for use in France. If the veterinary medicinal product is not subject to prescription and is not authorised in France, the keeper of the animals may apply for an import authorisation.

Common logo for the on-line sale of veterinary medicinal products

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2021/1904 (PDF) of 29 October 2021 adopts the design of a common logo for the on-line sale of veterinary medicinal products. This logo consists of a pictogram representing a white cross on a background of a grey line and 3 lines of a gradient of blue with the mention VET, the national flag and the text “Click to check the legality of the site”.

This logo shall be affixed to all pages of the website presenting veterinary medicinal products. It contains a hyperlink to this page of the ANMV website or that of the competent authority of the Member State where the website is located in order to verify the legality of the website. Each competent authority shall publish on its website the list of retailers authorised to sell online.

The EMA (European Medicines Agency) also publishes information on the common logo and online sale of veterinary medicinal products on its website: Buying veterinary medicines online