Registering for the Distance Selling Logo in the UK

1. Overview of Distance Selling Logo Requirements

The Distance Selling Logo is a regulatory identifier intended to help members of the public recognise legitimate online sellers of medicines operating in Northern Ireland. Sellers based in Northern Ireland who offer medicines to the public via a website must be registered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and display the logo on every web page offering medicines for sale.
Source: Register for the Distance Selling logo (gov.uk) (gov.uk)

The logo requirement stems from EU-based rules that continue to apply in Northern Ireland under the Northern Ireland Protocol. Sellers must comply with these obligations even after 1 January 2021, when Great Britain ceased requiring use of the EU common logo for online medicine sales.
Source: Register for the Distance Selling logo (gov.uk) (gov.uk)

2. When You Must Use the Logo

If you are based in Northern Ireland and sell or supply medicines online to the public in Northern Ireland or in an EEA country, you must:

• Register with the MHRA on the Process Licensing Portal.
• Display the Distance Selling Logo on every page of your website that offers medicines for sale.
• Provide MHRA contact details and a link to the MHRA website on your pages.
  Source: Register for the Distance Selling logo (gov.uk) (gov.uk)

This requirement applies even if you sell through third-party marketplaces; the logo must appear where the medicines are offered for sale.
Source: Register for the Distance Selling logo (gov.uk) (gov.uk)

3. Registration Process

To register for the Distance Selling Logo:

• Register your company and any relevant websites via the MHRA Process Licensing Portal.
• Only one registration is required per company, though multiple websites can be covered.
• The MHRA will conduct checks and, once approved, send confirmation with a link to download the Distance Selling Logo for use.
  Source: Register for the Distance Selling logo (gov.uk) (gov.uk)

Processing of new applications in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) has ceased, and the MHRA is considering alternatives for Great Britain in the future, though this does not affect requirements that remain in Northern Ireland.
Source: Register for the Distance Selling logo (gov.uk) (gov.uk)

4. Fees and Updates

Application fees and payment details for Distance Selling Logo registration are provided by the MHRA as part of the process. After registration, any changes to your company details or website should be reported to the MHRA via the Process Licensing Portal.
Source: Register for the Distance Selling logo (gov.uk) (gov.uk)

If you suspect a website is selling medicines illegally, you can report it to the MHRA for investigation.
Source: Register for the Distance Selling logo (gov.uk) (gov.uk)

5. Selling Medicines from the UK via the Internet

For sellers in Northern Ireland, you must ensure that all products sold online (including to EEA countries) are authorised for use in the destination country. Packaging and labelling requirements in the product authorisation must be complied with, and sellers must use licensed sources for medicines.
Source: Register for the Distance Selling logo (gov.uk) (gov.uk)

Conclusion

The Distance Selling Logo aims to enhance public assurance and safety by identifying legitimate online medicine retailers in Northern Ireland. Sellers must register, display the logo correctly, and maintain compliance with MHRA and cross-border sale requirements.
Source: Register for the Distance Selling logo (gov.uk) (gov.uk)