Drug Tariff Guide

A plain-English explanation of the Drug Tariff structure for pharmacy teams.

Part VIII Categories (Drug Prices)

The most commonly dispensed generic drugs. Prices are set quarterly by DHSC based on actual purchase cost data collected from manufacturers and suppliers. Pharmacies are expected to source these drugs at or below the Drug Tariff price. Category M is updated in January, April, July and October.

Drugs where DHSC has set the basic price, but which are not included in Category M. Prices are based on market data and are reviewed periodically. Typically used for generics where the market is stable but volume is lower than Category M drugs.

Drugs where the basic price is the manufacturer's list price (net price excluding VAT). Usually branded products or drugs with a single supplier. The pharmacy is reimbursed at the manufacturer's published price.

Drugs where DHSC determines a basic price under specific circumstances — most commonly used for monthly price concessions where a drug cannot be sourced at the Drug Tariff price. Check the monthly concession list for the current concession price.

Introduced March 2026 as part of the CPCF 2025/26 agreement. Prices are calculated using information from suppliers obtained under the Health Service Products (Provision and Disclosure of Information) Regulations 2018. Similar mechanism to Category M but covers a specific subset of products identified by DHSC.
Drug Tariff Parts

Appliances that may be prescribed on the NHS, including stoma products, catheters, and incontinence aids. Prices listed are the basic prices for reimbursement.

Wound dressings and bandages that can be prescribed. Includes absorbent dressings, bandages, cotton wool, and elastic hosiery.

Lists drugs that should not be prescribed in NHS primary care. This is effectively the 'blacklist'. Prescribers must not routinely prescribe these items on FP10 prescriptions. If a patient needs one of these drugs, they must pay privately.

Drugs for which the manufacturer's basic price applies directly (not otherwise categorised in Part VIII). Includes some specials and unlicensed medicines.

The main reimbursement schedule for drugs. Divided into Categories A, C, D, M and H. When a pharmacy dispenses a generic drug, they are reimbursed at the Category M or A price (whichever applies). For branded drugs, Category C (manufacturer price) applies.

Additional appliances not covered in Part I, including blood glucose testing strips, lancets, and related diabetic consumables.

Foods and toilet preparations that the Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances (ACBS) recommends for prescribing in specific medical conditions (e.g. phenylketonuria, Crohn's disease). Prescriptions should be endorsed 'ACBS'.

Chemical reagents that may be prescribed on the NHS.

Products that can only be prescribed for specific indications under the Selected List Scheme (SLS). Prescriptions must be endorsed 'SLS'.

The professional fees (dispensing fees, establishment payments, etc.) payable to pharmacy contractors for dispensing NHS prescriptions.

Rules and allowances for when a pharmacist must break into a larger pack to dispense a smaller quantity. An allowance is claimable in these circumstances.
Glossary
VMP

Virtual Medicinal Product — the generic 'concept' of a drug at a specific strength and form (e.g. 'Amlodipine 5mg tablets'). Part of the NHS dm+d (Dictionary of Medicines and Devices).

VMPP

Virtual Medicinal Product Pack — a VMP with a specific pack size (e.g. 'Amlodipine 5mg tablets 28'). Links the generic concept to a quantity.

AMP

Actual Medicinal Product — a specific branded or generic product from a named manufacturer (e.g. 'Istin 5mg tablets (Pfizer)' or 'Amlodipine 5mg tablets (Actavis)').

AMPP

Actual Medicinal Product Pack — an AMP with a specific pack size. This is the 'real world' product you would order from a wholesaler.

dm+d

Dictionary of Medicines and Devices — the NHS coding system for medicines. Used in electronic prescribing, dispensing systems, and ePACT.

SNOMED

SNOMED CT — the clinical coding system. Each VMP and AMP has a unique SNOMED code.

FP10

The standard NHS prescription form used in primary care (GP surgeries and walk-in centres).

ACBS

Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances — recommends which borderline substances (foods, toilet preparations) can be prescribed on the NHS for specific conditions.

SLS

Selected List Scheme — certain drugs can only be prescribed for specific indications. Prescriptions must be endorsed 'SLS'.

Blacklist

Schedule 1 to the NHS Regulations 2012 (Part IIIA of the Drug Tariff) — drugs that must not be routinely prescribed on the NHS.

Concession

A temporary Category D price set by DHSC when a Category M drug cannot be sourced at the Drug Tariff price. Published monthly.

Basic Price

The price at which a pharmacy is reimbursed for a drug by NHS England (before any fees or allowances).

OTC

Over The Counter — medicines that can be sold without a prescription.

POM

Prescription Only Medicine — requires a valid prescription to dispense.

Category M

Quarterly DHSC-priced generics — the most common reimbursement category.

Category C

Branded/single-source drugs reimbursed at the manufacturer's list price.

Part IX

The section of the NHS Drug Tariff listing medical appliances, dressings, incontinence/stoma supplies, and chemical reagents.

NHS Publication Cycle (Folders)

NHS BSA publishes month N Drug Tariff files on or around the 3rd of month N-1. Therefore, files are uploaded to a server folder named after the prior month (e.g., June files are in folder '2026-05'). Occasionally, scheduling delays or revisions cause files to be uploaded during the active month itself (e.g., July files in folder '2026-07').