[European registration of veterinary drugs]

An overview is given for the harmonization of veterinary medicines in the EC. What is the influence of the review caused by this process on the existing veterinary medicines? Besides the role of the Committee of Veterinary Medicinal Products (CVMP) in the registration process of mutual recognition and central registration, the role of its working parties are dealt with. Also the consequences of the recent residue legislation on the basis of Maximum Residue Levels (MRL's) are discussed for as well the existing as the new products. Recently adverse events have to be reported too and evaluated by the authorities. Are all the member states ready for this task? The tasks and procedures of the future European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicines and the future registration procedures are also discussed.