To download SNOMED CT release files you must have a SNOMED CT Affiliate License. The table below provides step-by-step advice on how to obtain a license and register your license to enable you to download SNOMED CT release files.

Step 1

Do you already have a SNOMED CT Affiliate License?

  • If you already have a license please skip to Step 6.
  • If you do not have a license the steps below will help you to obtain a license.

If you are in a SNOMED International Member territory there will be no charge for licensing provided that you are not using SNOMED CT outside Member territories. However, you still need to register for a license.

To learn more about SNOMED CT licensing  please go to  http://snomed.org/license .




Step 2

Are in a SNOMED International Member territory?

  • If you are not in a Member territory skip to Step 6.



To check if you are based in a Member territory see the Members page on the SNOMED International website. On that page you will see a table listing all the Member territories and providing contacts details for each Member.




Step 3

Does your Member use the Member Licensing and Distribution Service (MLDS)?

  • If your Member uses MLDS skip to Step 5.


Some SNOMED International Members use the SNOMED International MLDS service while others host their own licensing and download services. To find out if your Member uses MDLS service either:

Step 4

Register with the licensing service provided by your Member.

  • Finally please check Step 6 below.


Follow the contact links for your Member on the Members webpage. These links should take you to information about the licensing and distribution service used by the Member.

  • If you are unable to find this information please use the email contact address for the Member as listed on the Members page.

    The following short links may be useful for those based in the relevant Members territories: Australia, US, UK. However, if these links do work please follow the contacts on the Members page.

  • In the unlikely event that you are still unable to find the necessary information please email info@snomed.org.

To find out more about licensing and downloading in these please follow the contact links on the Member

Step 5 Register with MDLS.

Register on the SNOMED International Member Licensing and Distribution Service

Step 6

Do you intend to use SNOMED CT in a non-Member Territory?

  • If so you will also need to register this use on MDLS.


If you are intending to use SNOMED CT in a non-Member territory you must register this use on MDLS. This is true even for licensees who have registered their license using a service provided by a SNOMED International Member.

Register on the SNOMED International Member Licensing and Distribution Service