Authorised Veterinary Medicines Inspection Branch (AVMIB)

DAERA has recommenced the programme of Veterinary Medicine Inspections at Veterinary Practice Premises (VPPs) and at Specially Qualified Person (SQP) Retailers in January 2026, which was previously delivered by Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) staff based in GB. Due to Covid restrictions and subsequent resourcing issues, VMD have not been able to deliver this inspection programme in full since 2019.

DAERA has had a role in Official Controls associated with the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 (VMR) and previous iterations of Veterinary Medicines legislation in NI since the 1930’s. The VMR named DHSSPS (now DOH) and DAERA as having responsibility, either singly or jointly, for inspection and enforcement activities in NI. DAERA VSAHG has taken over responsibility for inspections from DOH which, has now led to the need for this programme of inspections to be recommenced by DAERA. A new Branch - Authorised Veterinary Medicines Inspection Branch (AVMIB) has been established within VSAHG for the purpose of delivering this inspection programme. 

A DAERA Inspector was appointed in June and has undergone a concerted period of training with VMD Inspectors in GB. In addition, an Inspection Database Application has been developed by DSD colleagues and following User Acceptance Testing, is now operational. 

Engagement with stakeholders about the re-introduction of the inspection programme commenced at the end of November comprising direct meetings, webinars, email correspondence and social media posts. Direct phone contact with responsible persons in the VPP premises to be inspected is also taking place prior to the inspections, to convey key information about the inspection parameters.

A Memorandum of Understanding is being agreed with VMD outlining the different roles and responsibilities for DAERA and VMD under this inspection programme. It is envisaged that DAERA will have the main role in all aspects of conducting the inspections and VMD will provide support in matters of charging, enforcement and training.

If you wish to learn more about the Inspection programme, please view the short Webinars on the links below:

Webinar 1: Introduction to AVMIB Veterinary Medicine Inspections VPPs Recording

Webinar 2: Introduction to AVMIB SQP Retailers Veterinary Medicine Inspections Recording