VMD updates guidance on QR codes for veterinary medicinal product packaging
The UK’s Veterinary Medicines Directorate has updated guidance to allow QR codes on veterinary medicine packaging to link to public-facing educational and instructional material, expanding access to product information for users.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has revised its guidance on QR codes for authorised veterinary medicinal product packaging. Previously, QR codes could only direct users to non-public-facing material such as internal manufacturing details or the approved product text. The updated rules now permit marketing authorisation holders to link QR codes to additional educational and instructional content, provided it meets the new principles published on the Product Literature Standards (PLS).
This change aims to improve digital access to veterinary medicine information for professionals and users, including pet owners. QR codes on packaging may now provide supplementary guidance on correct administration, expected treatment effects, or safe storage, complementing the instructions already printed on labels and leaflets.
Not all products will feature QR codes, as their inclusion is optional for marketing authorisation holders. Some companies may use QR codes for compliance or anti-counterfeiting purposes rather than public-facing information. The supplementary content is designed to support safe and effective medicine use without replacing essential label instructions.
The VMD emphasises its commitment to digital innovation while maintaining rigorous, risk-based standards to protect animal and public health. The updated QR code principles are available on the PLS, and queries about the changes can be submitted via the VMD’s contact form.