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Code of Practice and Guidance

The DEFRA Code of Practice is issued by the Secretary of State under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations. It sets down the standards that must be complied with by AMTRA, by SQPs who are registered with AMTRA having passed the required examinations and who may therefore supply veterinary medicinal products classified as POM-VPS and NFA-VPS, and by retail businesses with premises that are registered to be able to hold and supply veterinary medicinal products.

All SQPs are required to abide by the current version of the Code of Practice, to abide by the Veterinary Medicines Regulations taking account of VMD's Veterinary Medicines Guidance Notes, and to act in a professional manner.

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Code of Practice for SQPs

The current Code of Practice for SQPs is that from 2011. AMTRA SQP examinations are always based upon the Code of Practice currently in force.

The full text of the Code is available as a PDF file:

There are not large changes from the 2008 Code, but language has been recast to make meaning clearer and less ambiguous. The division of responsibilities as between businesses and SQPs is clearer, and AMTRA's role and duties more clearly defined.

Copies of the 2011 Code of Practice and the 2011 version of Veterinary Medicines Guidance Note 3 were circulated to all SQPs and SQP students in a single booklet with a light blue cover. Earlier versions should be recycled or marked as out of date.

The Code and VMGN 3 are included in every student SQP's training manual.

VMD guidance

In addition to abiding by the terms of the Code of Practice, SQPs should follow the VMD's guidance, notably that offered by Veterinary Medicines Guidance Note 3 - Guidance for Retailers.

Other VMGNs may also be of relevance and should be studied - see the full list on VMD's website.

Guidance on responsible use of medicines

This page last updated 16/05/2012