Supporting the VICH Forum

To improve global access to quality veterinary products, WOAH plays an active role in the International Cooperation on Harmonisation of the Technical Requirements for Registration of Veterinary Medicinal products (VICH). We particularly support the VICH Forum, VICH’s international outreach initiative.

Members of the VICH forum, a trilateral programme involving the European Union, Japan and the United States

VICH is a trilateral programme involving the European Union, Japan and the United States. Its aim is to harmonise technical requirements for the marketing authorisation of a veterinary product through the production of guidelines. WOAH has supported VICH’s work since its inception in 1996 and in 2011 participated in the creation of the VICH Forum, which brings together member countries and regional organisations. This platform has served as a foundation for broader international harmonisation of these technical requirements.  

Harmonising technical registration requirements

The VICH Forum offers countries that are not necessarily part of VICH an opportunity to participate in the global harmonisation of technical requirements. They gain a deeper understanding of how VICH guidelines are developed, but also contribute proactively by proposing new topics, sharing their national experiences and identifying implementation challenges. They also benefit from training on guideline use, and collaborate on the translation and sharing of the guidelines in additional languages.  

60 guidelines

have been completed since VICH’s inception

6 guidelines

are in preparation

Access VICH guidelines

Better coordination between the VICH Steering Committee and Forum members 

Along with its Collaborating Centre, the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, WOAH is working to strengthen communication and coordination between VICH members, the VICH secretariat, and the current VICH Forum members. 

Current VICH Forum Members include:  

  • Countries: Argentina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Burkina Faso, People’s Republic of China, Egypt, India, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taipei, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Philippines, United Arab Emirates, Uganda, Ukraine, Zambia, Zimbabwe (observer: South Africa). 
  • Regional organisations: ASEAN (representing Asia), CAMEVET (representing the Americas), CAPROVE, EAC (representing East African Community), SADC (representing South African Development Community) and WAEMO/UEMOA (representing West Africa). 

Next meeting of the VICH Forum

  • 10 – 13 November 2025: The 44th VICH Steering Committee Meeting
  • 11 – 12 November 2025: (Indianapolis, USA): The 18th VF Meeting

How to prepare a VICH concept paper