MedTech Europe statement on the supply conditions of Protective Medical Equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic

Posted on 04.05.2020

The objective of this statement is to raise awareness about the current situation impacting the supply chain conditions for protective medical equipment and its implications.

MedTech Europe notes that with respect to protective medical equipment such as masks, gowns, gloves, the pandemic crisis has led to a shortage of materials worldwide. Production has also been negatively impacted due to lockdown measures and export restrictions. In addition, there have been substantial challenges to distribution due to the need for emergency delivery which requires the exceptional use of airfreight which is at limited capacity.

This results in a situation for our industry which could not have been foreseen before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Consequently, it might not be possible for suppliers to fulfil conditions of existing contracts such as time of delivery, volume, price, etc.

For contract(s) which have been concluded prior to the pandemic, under the current circumstances, contractor(s) may:

• request the review of the terms of the contract(s),
• invoke force majeure,
• agree on alternative arrangements.

We consider the situation to be extraordinary and temporary and our industry will endeavour to return to normal supply conditions as soon as the circumstances allow.