The Veterinary Labelling Code (VLC) is presented as a series of labelling requirements that cover the label content, presentation and layout of the approved and marketed labels. This label presentation and layout section explains the legal requirements and provides additional guidance on how approved and marketed labels are to be structured and presented.
For general and specific content requirements of veterinary chemical product labels, refer to the label content of veterinary products section.
Marketed label
The following sections, which can be selected from the menu below, set out the requirements of the VLC and provide guidance on:
- what information is required on labels and what should be avoided (if it is not stated in the label content section)
- label layout
- printing and legibility requirements.
Each section provides a table of contents and you can click each heading to expand or collapse the content.
Mandatory statements, or examples of specific wording, are presented in grey boxes throughout some of the sections. These statements should follow the typeface formatting of the example shown in the grey boxes. More information about typeface and formatting requirements is available in the printing and legibility requirements section.
Guidance on harmonised labels for veterinary medicines in New Zealand and Australia is available.
Terminology
Where the term 'must' is used in the VLC, it is a legal requirement that labels comply with this provision or as determined by the APVMA.
Where the term ‘should’ is used in the VLC, the APVMA expects to see the layout and placement of the label information based on best practice.
Where the term ‘may’ or ‘could’ is used in the VLC, it is strongly advisable, but not compulsory.