New logos show which online sellers of veterinary medicines are registered
The voluntary AIRS badge ended on Friday, and sellers in Great Britain and Northern Ireland now use separate marks linked to the official register.
Anyone buying veterinary medicines online will see a different badge on registered websites from now on. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate has replaced its voluntary Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme, or AIRS, with new logos that link straight to its register.
The AIRS scheme ended on 30 October. Its register has come off the VMD website and the old logo is no longer valid.
The change affects medicines that have to be supplied by a Registered Qualified Person, a term that covers vets, pharmacists and suitably qualified persons. Websites selling those products must be registered with the VMD, and its guidance tells these professionals to recommend that clients buy only from registered online retailers.
What to look for
In Great Britain the mark is the "VMD Registered Online Retailer" logo. Every page offering these medicines must also carry the words "Registered Online Retailer of Veterinary Medicines", a statement that customers with queries can contact the VMD through its online form, and a link to the register.
Northern Ireland works differently, because EU veterinary medicines law applies there under the Windsor Framework. Registered retailers established in Northern Ireland must show the Northern Ireland common logo on every page where these products are offered.
Checking a seller
Clicking the logo should take you to the VMD Register of Online Retailers, where you can check the details. Businesses with several websites have to include each of them in their registration.
The VMD has written to affected retailers with instructions. It says its notice is not full guidance, and that retailers who have not had an email should contact it.
