Preface

Preface
The British Pharmacopoeia 2003 is published for the Health Ministers on the recommendation of the Medicines Commission in accordance with section 99(6) of the Medicines Act 1968.
The Medicines Commission believes that the British Pharmacopoeia contributes significantly to the overall control of the quality of medicinal products by providing an authoritative statement of the quality that a product is expected to meet at any time during its period of use. The Pharmacopoeial standards, which are publicly available and legally enforceable, are designed to complement and assist the licensing and inspection processes and are part of the system for safeguarding purchasers and users of medicinal products.
The Medicines Commission wishes to record its appreciation of the services of all those who have contributed to this important work.