The Medicines New Zealand Code of Practice
About the Code of Practice
The Medicines New Zealand Code of Practice (Code) exists to ensure high standards of ethical and responsible promotion of prescription medicines in New Zealand, and wherever possible, exceed those required by law.
The Code represents an act of self-regulation and acceptance and observance of the Code is a condition of membership of Medicines New Zealand. Member companies must comply with both the letter and spirit of the Code.
Pharmaceutical companies that are not members of Medicines New Zealand are invited to accept and observe the Code and must comply with its provisions where required by the Advertising Standards Authority.
Code of Practice Training
Code of Practice training sessions are run throughout the year, via Microsoft Teams. Each session is approximately 2.5 hours in duration and includes an overview of the Code along with interactive activities for attendees. The training is suitable as both an introductory session for new starters in the industry and also a refresher training session, and may be of interest to those who are working in Advertising and Healthcare communications and related fields for clients in the biopharmaceutical sector. Registration for the training is open to both members of Medicines New Zealand and non-members.
Members:
Code Training Sessions are included as part of membership benefits. Personnel from your company may attend an open attendance session or if you have a group of personnel that you would like to do the training then it may be possible to arrange a company-specific training session.
Non-Members:
There is a fee of $350 + GST for Non-Members to take Code of Practice Training.
Please fill out the form below to register for Code training.
Code of Practice Updates
The Code of Practice is a living document and is currently undergoing a full review. While this review is underway, Edition 17, effective from 1 September 2019, remains the primary Code document, with the following exceptions:
- Section 2 of Edition 17 has been superseded in full by updated guidance dated 1 October 2026.
- Supplementary guidance notes 1 (22 April 2021) and 2 (31 March 2022) encompass updates to Code Sections 4.1.4; 4.8; 4.10; 4.11.
Where supplementary guidance supersedes provisions of Edition 17, the supplementary guidance takes precedence.
Download a copy of the 17th Edition of the Code of Practice
Updated Section 2 of the Code of Practice
Effective 1 October 2026
The updated Section 2 – Pre-regulatory Approval Communications replaces Section 2 of Edition 17 in full. It provides updated guidance on communications concerning medicines and indications prior to regulatory approval, including the Section 34AA exemption and scientific exchange. The updated Section 2 guidance also augments Section 4.6 of edition 17 of the Code, including overriding subsection 4.6.4.
Download a copy of the updated Code of Practice Section 2 (Effective 1 October 2026)
Supplementary Guidance Notes
Two supplementary guidance notes were released to ensure alignment between the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) Code of Practice and Edition 17 of Medicines New Zealand's Code of Practice. Alignment measures introduced by these guidance notes include:
- A prohibition on brand name reminder items provided to healthcare professionals, with a limited exception for company-branded pens and notepads used for note-taking at company-organised or external medical educational events.
- A prohibition on promotional competitions with prizes.
Download a copy of Supplementary Guidance note one (Effective 22 April 2021)
Download a copy of Supplementary Guidance note two (Effective 31 March 2022)
Additional Guidance
Section 34AA - Interim Guidance and Quick Tips
Medicines New Zealand has developed Interim Guidance and Quick Tips on Section 34AA to support activities at medical conferences, including scientific exchange and the advertising of medicines that have not yet received regulatory approval. The guidance includes practical advice on conference and trade show compliance and frequently asked questions about the Section 34AA notification process.
This guidance is complimentary for Members of Medicines New Zealand, and is available in the Members’ section of the website. As with other Code of Practice enquiries, commercial entities that are not members of Medicines New Zealand will incur an enquiry fee of $150+GST for this guidance. Non-members are able to contact the Secretariat in regards to this guidance by emailing [email protected]
Code of Practice Enquiries
The Medicines New Zealand Secretariat is available to provide guidance concerning the Code of Practice. Should you require advice on the interpretation of the Code of Practice as it applies to your particular situation, you are welcome to get in touch.
Please note, whilst this advisory support is complimentary for our members, commercial entities who are not members of Medicines New Zealand will incur an enquiry fee of $150 + GST for advice given. This fee will be waived for members of the public, patient advocacy groups and not-for-profit organisations.
Code enquiries must be submitted using the form below.