The European Union has agreed to extend the grace period which allows people and businesses in Northern Ireland to purchase animal medicines from the rest of the UK for another three years.

European Commission vice-president Maros Sefcovic said it was a “practical solution to a practical problem” while underlining the EU’s commitment to resolving the wider issues around the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly welcomed the announcement which he said would offer “greater certainty” for the veterinary medicines industry in Northern Ireland.

Under the terms of the protocol, Northern Ireland continues to be bound by EU rules on veterinary medicines even though they no longer apply in the rest of the UK.

The grace period – which allowed their continued purchase from the UK – had been due to come to an end at the end of this year. However, Mr Sefcovic said it will now run until December 2025.

“By extending the current arrangements to December 2025 we are giving ample time to adapt,” Mr Sefcovic said in a statement.

“This is a practical solution to a practical problem, and it underlines our genuine commitment to engaging constructively with the UK to find agreed solutions around the protocol.”

Mr Cleverly said: “I welcome this announcement which provides greater certainty for the veterinary medicines industry in Northern Ireland. We will continue to look for long-term solutions on the Protocol, including on veterinary medicines, to provide political stability in NI.”