When farmers rely on veterinary medicines to protect animal health, an extensive regulatory system works behind the scenes to ensure these products meet the required standards. From registration and licensing to inspection, testing and market surveillance, these systems help safeguard the safety, effectiveness and quality of veterinary medicines.
But how do countries know where their regulatory systems are strong, and where there is room for improvement?
The Veterinary Medicines Regulatory Agency Self-Assessment Tool (VMRA-SAT) provides a practical way to answer that question. Designed specifically for national regulatory authorities, it helps regulators assess the performance and maturity of their veterinary medicines regulatory systems, identify strengths and gaps, and set practical priorities for improvement.
Unlike general regulatory reviews or external audits, VMRA-SAT is explicitly designed to be country-owned, voluntary and focused on learning rather than judgment. The new VMRA-SAT website was launched at the end of September 2026, giving veterinary medicines regulators and WOAH Delegates one place to explore the tool, its benefits and the available resources.
VMRA-SAT offers two entry points, designed to support authorities with the option that is most appropriate for their circumstances. The Lite Web Version (WebApp) supports a preliminary self-assessment, while the Full Version (Desktop) enables a more comprehensive review.
The tool was developed by UK-VMD and has been piloted as part of the Better Regulation Project, an initiative with the objective of improving the predictability, efficiency and transparency of regulatory processes required to bring new veterinary products into the market. WOAH and its partners are currently engaging with Members and other stakeholders to gather feedback on the relevance and value of VMRA-SAT. Subject to the outcome of these consultations and the relevant governance processes, WOAH may consider the potential adoption of VMRA-SAT as a sustainable long-term international home for the tool.
Stronger regulatory systems contribute to more reliable access to high-quality veterinary products, helping protect animal health and supporting more resilient agrifood systems. By helping countries understand where their regulatory systems can be strengthened, VMRA-SAT supports the improvements needed to ensure that quality veterinary medicines can reach the animals and people who depend on them.