Pharmacy Licences
Licence to Operate Pharmacy
The operators of community and hospital pharmacies are to be licensed under the provisions of the Medicines Act 1981 from 18 September 2004.
All pharmacies must hold a current licence to operate pharmacy
Under section 53 (3) of the Medicines Act 1981, operators of pharmacies are required to apply for an annual licence to operate pharmacy no later than one month before the expiry of their existing licence.
Operators wishing to undertake any of the following activities must apply for a new licence:
- open a new pharmacy
- purchase an existing pharmacy
- amalgamate their pharmacy with another
- relocate their pharmacy
- make changes to the shareholding of the pharmacy company
Links to relevant documents:
- Information for pharmacists and those wishing to operate a pharmacy
- Guidance notes to assist applicants complete the application form
- Application forms
For enquiries:
Phone: (04) 496 2579
Fax: (04) 496 2229
Address: Ministry of Health, Medicines Control, P O Box 5013, Wellington
Operators of pharmacies that cease trading are required to advise the licensing authority of the closure (see contact details above).