"FMD" is an abbreviation that stands for different things in different fields, so whether it's a legal requirement depends entirely on which meaning is intended:
Falsified Medicines Directive (EU 2011/62/EU): In the European Union and, via the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland, this directive is a legal requirement for prescription medicines. It mandates unique identifiers (2D barcodes) and anti-tampering devices on packaging, along with a verification system to detect falsified medicines before they reach patients. Manufacturers, wholesalers, and pharmacies in EU/EEA member states must comply. Note that the United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) left the FMD system after Brexit and no longer legally requires it, though many UK companies retained the technology.
Foreign Military Sales/other government acronyms: FMD can also stand for various other things depending on context—for example, "Field Mean Deviation," "Frequency Modulation Detector," or organization-specific terms—none of which are typically standalone "legal requirements" in the way regulatory FMD is.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease: If referring to livestock disease control, reporting and biosecurity measures related to FMD outbreaks are legally mandated in most countries under animal health law, with specific requirements varying by jurisdiction (e.g., mandatory reporting to agriculture authorities, movement restrictions, culling protocols).
Fitness for Duty / Family Medical Documentation: In employment contexts, "FMD" sometimes refers to fitness-for-duty certifications, which may be required by employer policy or under laws like the U.S. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), depending on circumstances.
Because the term is ambiguous, the accurate answer depends on your specific industry, country, and context. If you clarify which FMD you mean (pharmaceutical packaging, animal disease control, workplace policy, etc.), a more precise answer about its legal status in your jurisdiction can be given. Regulations also change over time, so checking current official guidance from the relevant regulatory body is recommended for compliance purposes.