The European Communities (Animal Remedies) Regulations 2007 require that an Animal Remedy shall not be sold or supplied without a Veterinary Product Authorisation (VPA). The term Animal Remedy is clearly defined in the Animal Remedies Act, 1993.

In most cases the classification of a product as an Animal Remedy is clear. However, some products may occupy a 'borderline' position between, for example, animal remedies and nutritional products. In cases such as these the IMB is the competent authority for classifying the product either as an Animal Remedy or 'out-of-scope' of the legislation.

Where an applicant is unsure as to the classification of their product, they may submit a request for classification of a borderline product for animal use, also termed a classification enquiry. Application forms are available under the publications section of this site, together with the Guide to the Definition of an Animal Remedy and the Classification Process which contains additional information including an outline of the steps involved in the classification procedure.