# UK parallel import licences following agreement of the Windsor Framework

Source: https://www.keypedia.com/records/uk_mhra_guidance/uk-mhra/e4196d0c-6b4b-4b8c-b375-7f2fa3032adf
Type: Guidance
Published: April 4, 2024
Updated: June 3, 2025

> This guidance from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) outlines the transition for parallel distributors following regulatory changes in the United Kingdom. Previously, parallel distributors required Parallel Distribution Notices (PDNs) issued by the European Medicines Agency to market centrally authorised products. However, PDNs are no longer valid for the market in Great Britain, encompassing England, Scotland, and Wales. To continue legal operations in these regions, distributors must convert their existing PDNs into Parallel Import Licences (PLPIs) through a specific conversion process. This shift ensures that products marketed in Great Britain meet national licensing standards. Notably, PDNs remain valid for products being distributed in Northern Ireland. The primary regulatory framework governing these changes is the transition from European Union-wide notices to Great Britain-specific licensing. Parallel distributors are required to complete the conversion to PLPIs to maintain market access in Great Britain and ensure compliance with the updated territorial requirements. Failure to transition could result in the inability to legally distribute medicines in the GB market. While the provided text does not mention specific company violations or inspection dates, it serves as a critical compliance roadmap for all entities involved in parallel medicine distribution across the UK.

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## Content

Parallel Distribution Notices (PDNs) are notice letters which parallel distributors must obtain from the European Medicines Agency before placing a centrally authorised product on the market. PDNs are no longer valid in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales). These were replaced by Parallel Import Licences (PLPIs) through the PDN to PLPI conversion process, which allow the products to be marketed in Great Britain (GB) only. PDNs currently remain valid in Northern Ireland.

## Attachments

- [Notification of Stickering on Parallel Import Licences](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/660eb33ba43d91001c3af179/Notification_of_Stickering_on_Parallel_Import_Licences.docx)
- [UK parallel import licences following agreement of the Windsor Framework](/government/publications/uk-parallel-import-licences-following-agreement-of-the-windsor-framework/uk-parallel-import-licences-following-agreement-of-the-windsor-framework)