Licensing Of Veterinary Activities Planned In Belarus

The Council of Ministers has submitted to the House of Representatives a draft law “On Amendments to Laws on Veterinary Activities.”

The main innovation of the draft is the introduction of licensing for veterinary activities related to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of animal diseases. An exception is предусмотрена for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in farm animals within the production cycle of animal products. Such activities will not require a license.

Under the draft, the following requirements are introduced for applicants seeking a license:

• ownership or other legal basis for premises necessary to carry out the licensed activity;
• a conclusion from the pharmaceutical inspection confirming that the locations where the licensed activity will be conducted comply with veterinary good clinical practice requirements;
• for legal entities — staff with higher or secondary specialized veterinary education who have undergone advanced training or retraining relevant to the declared services no earlier than five years prior to employment;
• for individual entrepreneurs — possession of higher or secondary specialized veterinary education and completion of advanced training or retraining relevant to the declared services no earlier than five years prior to applying for the license.

The draft law also предусматривает adjustments to the terminology of the law “On Veterinary Activities” and an expansion of the powers of the Agriculture and Food Ministry in this area. Requirements for the circulation of veterinary medicines and feed additives are also уточняются.