The amendments to Directive 2001/82/EC as described in Directive 2004/28/EC came into force on 31 October 2005. In order to effectively implement the requirements of Article 81 (OBPR) and Article 82 (OCABR) in a harmonised and codified manner, a number of documents were elaborated in close collaboration with the European Commission and the Veterinary Pharmaceutical Committee (VPC) and, following a pilot phase, were adopted at the 18th meeting of the VPC (20 March 2007). The VPC mandated the EDQM and the CA/OMCL network for IVMPs (VBRN, for Veterinary Batch Release Network) to continue to develop specific procedures and guidelines that would facilitate the implementation of the relevant articles of the Directive and specifically to promote the mutual recognition required under Article 82 by enhancing transparency and mutual confidence.