The mission of ANMV aims, first of all, at checking that the advertisements contain the information defined by the legislation. The Agency then examines the consistency between the advertising message and the summary of product characteristics (annex to the MA decision which describes the conditions of use authorised for a given medicinal product). ANMV also studies bibliographical references that the document claims.

Presentation of the rules on the advertising of veterinary medicinal products: Decree No 2015-647 of 10 June 2015 on the advertising of veterinary medicinal products (PDF) 

Definition

The decree introduces the definition of advertising and, a contrario, specifies the cases which fall outside its scope. 

Advertising covers any form of information (including canvassing), prospecting or inducement intended to promote the prescription, supply, sale or consumption of such veterinary medicinal products. 

Advertising in any form is possible only for medicinal products which have obtained an administrative authorisation, namely: a national or European marketing authorisation, a parallel import authorisation or a registration. 

If the authorisation is suspended, advertising is prohibited.  

Advertising of autovaccines is prohibited except for institutional information.

Prior authorisation

Advertisements subject to authorisation shall relate to: 

• veterinary medicinal products containing antimicrobials;
• veterinary medicinal products subject to a risk management plan;
• veterinary medicinal products promoted as enabling the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of diseases referred to in Article L221-1 of the Rural and Maritime Fisheries Code;
• veterinary medicinal products containing substances with anabolic, anticatabolising and beta-agonist activity;
• immunological veterinary medicinal products intended for animal keepers in a professional environment.

These authorisations shall be valid for two years.  

Other advertisements shall be submitted in advance.

Applications for authorisation and applications for advertising must be made two months before they are broadcast.

Addressees

Advertising of veterinary medicinal products shall be authorised to natural or legal persons authorised to supply them under Articles L. 5143-2 and L. 5143-6 only for those authorised to prescribe or supply them. 

Advertising of veterinary medicinal products to the general public is permitted. However, it shall be prohibited for prescription-prescribed medicinal products in accordance with Article L. 5143-5.  

Advertising to farmers is therefore only possible for veterinary medicinal products not subject to prescription.

Free sample

The discount of samples is permitted only during the first 2 years following the actual marketing in France or after a significant change in the marketing authorisation (new dosage, new pharmaceutical form, extension of indication).

Other Announcements

The Decree also defines advertising in favour of a veterinary pharmaceutical company or establishment: This applies to any scientific, technical or financial information document not intended to promote a veterinary medicinal product.

The guide to good advertising practices (PDF) : It brings together in a single document all the rules and recommendations relating to the advertising of veterinary medicinal products.

To access the thematic file

If you have any questions about advertising, you can contact the Agency at the following address :  publicite-anmv@anses.fr