WHOCC
Postal address:
Norwegian Institute of Public Health
WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
Postboks 222 Skøyen
0213 Oslo
Norway

Visiting/delivery address:
Myrens verksted 6H
0473 Oslo
Norway

Tel:  +47 21 07 81 60
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Application for ATCvet codes

Requests for classifications of new substances should be addressed to the WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology. It is recommended that requests be made using the special application form obtainable from the Centre (see Application form).

A new medicinal substance is normally not included in the ATC system before an application for marketing authorisations is submitted in at least one country. In some cases, it may be necessary to await a classification until the new substance has been approved in at least one country (especially for substances where it is considered difficult to establish a new 5th level). These conditions are set to avoid including in the ATC system too many substances which never become marketed.

Applications for ATCvet codes for new drugs not yet classified are received by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology continuously in the course of the year. These applications are given ATCvet codes and the classifications are discussed by the ATCvet Working Group at the annual meeting in November/December of each year. When the final decision has been taken, the new codes are included in the ATCvet Index.

Data requirements:
The following data should be submitted when requesting an ATCvet code for a substance:

  • Chemical structure and relationship to similar drugs
  • Pharmacology and mechanism of action, including relationship to similar drugs
  • Main indication
  • Other indications
  • Proposed ATCvet classification, with justification based on the evidence submitted

Herbal and homeopathic remedies are generally not classified in the ATCvet system.

Last updated: 2023-12-21