Revised: 23 December 2025
Committees
Medicines Classification Committee
Terms of reference
The Medicines Classification Committee (MCC) is a ministerial advisory committee, established under section 8 of the Medicines Act 1981, whose terms of reference are to make recommendations to the Minister of Health regarding the classification of medicines as prescription medicines, restricted medicines or pharmacy-only medicines. The MCC will also consider and report to the Minister on any matter concerning the classification of medicines and access to medicines by health professionals and the public.
Meetings
The Medicines Classification Committee (MCC) meets twice a year, usually in April and October. Secretariat support is provided by Medsafe.
Membership
Prior to 18 November 2025, the MCC membership comprised two practicing general practitioners, two practicing pharmacists, and two public health professionals from within the Ministry of Health. As a result of the Medicines Amendment Act 2025, the law has changed to enable wider representation on the committee. As such, Medsafe is currently recruiting for vacancies on the MCC.
