Joint Medical Technology Associations Letter on Brexit

Posted on 28.09.2017

On 12 September, MedTech Europe together with the Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI) and the British In Vitro Diagnostics Association (BIVDA) co-signed a letter addressed to Michel Barnier, EU Chief Negotiator of the Task Force for the Preparation and Conduct of the Negotiations with the United Kingdom under Article 50 TEU, and David Davis, Secretary of State in the Department for Exiting the European Union.

The letter highlighted the importance of the medical technology industry for public health, and the need for sector specific measures during the ongoing ‘Brexit’ negotiation between the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK). Not only will such measures ensure that patients continue to receive timely access to life saving technologies, but also ensure the future global competitiveness of an important sector for both the EU and UK economies.

The EU wide system is currently being updated based on the new Medical Devices and In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulations. Both will be applicable to EU Member States in May 2020 and May 2022, respectively. A potential regulatory divergence might disrupt the supply of medical technologies to patients across the European Union. Henceforth, the letter emphasises the need for a transition period for a convergence adoption of the two regulations both in the EU and the UK.

A close cooperation between both negotiating parties and businesses is needed throughout the ‘Brexit’ negotiation. MedTech Europe would therefore welcome the opportunity to further discuss in details with both parties the issues presented in the letter.