EXPLANATORY NOTE

These Regulations made under the Medicines Act 1968 impose requirements relating to the prohibition, restrictions and requirements for advertisements directed to the public relating to medicinal products and other substances and articles for administration to human beings.

They prohibit the advertisement of medicinal products which are available on prescription only and certain representations made by commercially interested parties. They contain provisions dealing specifically with the contents and form of advertisements for, and the containers and packages of, spermicidal contraceptives and leaflets supplied with such products.

The Regulations contain provisions prescribing exceptions to the requirements set out therein. They also contain transitional provisions and penalties for criminal offences in relation to both the regulations and related provisions in the 1968 Act. Amendments to the Medicines (Labelling) Regulations 1976 are also included which have the effect of altering the dates upon which whole-salers and retailers must comply with those regulations.