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Medicines control

Medicines Control is a regulatory team within the Ministry of Health (formerly situated in Medsafe) that oversees the local distribution chain of medicines and controlled drugs within New Zealand.

The team issues licences and authorities, undertakes drug abuse containment activities and monitors compliance with legislation; in particular, the Medicines Act 1981, Medicines Regulations 1984, the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977. The Director-General of Health has delegated certain legislated powers and functions to Medicines Control.

The Team Leader of Medicine Control is designated Licensing Authority for all licences issued under the above legislation (except licences to manufacture and licences to pack medicines). For information relating to these two licences please refer to the Medsafe website.

In this section

  • Pharmacy licensing
    Licences to operate a pharmacy are issued by the Ministry of Health. This section provides information about applying for a licence, new pharmacy premises, and the requirements for pharmacy ownership. Read more
  • Drug abuse containment
    Drug abuse containment activities are carried out by MedicinesControl staff in conjunction with two Medical Officers of Health who have wide powers under both the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 and the Medicines Act 1981. Read more
  • Hemp (industrial hemp)
    In order to grow, trade in, or process industrial hemp as an agricultural crop an individual, body corporate, or partnership needs to be licensed under the Misuse of Drugs (Industrial Hemp) Regulations 2006. Read more
  • Medicines control publications
    Publications relating to medicine control activities in New Zealand. Read more
  • Updates - Medicines control
    Updates relating to medicines control in New Zealand. Read more

Medsafe

The New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority (Medsafe) is responsible for the regulation of medicines and medical devices in New Zealand, and the safe use of medicines.


PHARMAC

The Pharmaceutical Management Agency of New Zealand (PHARMAC) works with the Ministry of Health (including Medsafe) and district health boards to provide affordable access to prescription medicines, and to promote the optimal use of medicines.

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Page last updated: 17 June 2011