Distribution is the process of making the extension available to its consumers. 

It is the responsibility of the extension provider to ensure that everyone who accesses the SNOMED CT distribution has an appropriate license to do so. The extension producer must issue Affiliates with a license to use the extension. These licenses must include a requirement for the licensee to hold a SNOMED CT Affiliate License for the International Release. For more information about Members' responsibilities in relation to licensing, please see 5. The role of NRCs related to SNOMED CT licensing.

The following pages will examine the steps involved in preparing an extension for distribution and introduce different approaches to distribution.