EU Commission extends customs and VAT exemption on the import of medical devices and protective equipment (PPE) from third countries until the end of June 2022
Information from BfArM on the use of mouth-nose covers, medical face masks and particle-filtering half masks – intended use, classification as medical device or protective equipment, the testing and certification and protective effect
Application portal for the fast track procedure of Medical Apps of the BfArM. More info.
The German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) has updated the instructions for manufacturers, importers and distributors for the special approval of medical mouth and nose protection (MNS) and filtrating half masks (FFP2 and FFP3). According to BfArM, there is currently no longer a supply bottleneck for these products in the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic situation. Therefore, the special approval was adjusted accordingly. Read more (status March 2022)
The Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) published a Sars-CoV-2 Drug Regulation on April 21, 2020. Also affected are specifications for medical devices in the context of the corona epidemic.
Europe Acts initiated Europe vs Covid-19, a free, Europe-wide platform for companies and hospitals offering or requesting medical products
The medical devices markets of Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy and Spain are the largest in Europe. Some of the best-known medical device manufacturers are based in these G5 countries and some major players from around the world have operations here. Nevertheless, small-to mid-sized medical device companies make up the majority of the industry.
Total population
Total expenditure on health
Total expenditure on health
2017
per capita (Intl.$,2017)
% of GDP (2017)
Austria
8,772,865
4,940
10,4
Belgium
11,351,727
4,507
10.3
Czech Republic
10,578,820
1,476
7.2
Denmark
5,748,769
5,800
10.1
Finland
5,523,231
4,206
9.2
France
66,804,120
4,380
11.3
Germany
82,521,656
5,033
11.2
Greece
10,768,193
1,517
8.0
Ireland
4,784,383
4,977
7.2
Italy
60,589,444
2,840
8,2
Luxembourg
590,667
5,783
5,5
Netherlands
17,081,508
4,911
10.1
Norway
5,258,317
7,936
10,4
Poland
37,972,964
0,907
6.5
Spain
46,528,024
2,506
8,9
Sweden
9,995,153
5,905
11.0
Switzerland
8,419,550
9,956
12,3
United Kingdom
65,844,144
3,859
9.6
Health Expenditure Profile European Countries Source: WHO 2020
(Dec 22) 36 Notified Bodies are now accredited. Currently there are 10 in Italy, 3 in the Netherlands and 8 in Germany; in addition, two each in Finland and Poland and one each in Belgium, Slovakia, Hungary, Norway, France, Sweden, Slovenia, Spain, Ireland, Croatia and Czech Republic . Nando database
(Dec 22) According to. MHRA (Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency), the United Kingdom will continue to recognise the CE mark for medical devices until 30 June 2024. Previously, 30.6.2023 was planned.
(Dec 22) According to the Roland Berger MedTech@Hospital study, about two-thirds of German hospitals expect to close the 2022 financial year in the red. More than half also plan to invest less in medical technology.
(Nov 22) According to the Roland Berger study "Global MedTech-How to succeed in uncertain times", the medical technology industry is struggling with high energy costs, rising inflation and supply chain problems. Solutions are offered by digitalisation, more benefit-based billing models and the shift towards personalised medicine.
(Nov 22) Facts&Figures 2022 from MedTech Europe, the European trade association for the medical technology industry
(Nov 22) New MDCG document on requirements for Notified Bodies - in the context of the MDR as well as IVDR
(Nov 22) Swissmedic refers to aleaflet on the obligations for authorised representatives, importers and distributors
(June 22) studies published by the German Society for Biomedical Engineering in the VDE (VDE DGBMT)
Medical device manufacturers can apply to the Joint Federal Committee (G-BA) for the NUB and receive advice on the procedure. Rules of Procedure of the G-BA.
(April 22) Distinction between medical devices and medicinal products: Guidance document MDCG 2022 of the Medical Devices Coordination Group
Internet platform for medical needs in Ukraine by the German initiative Medical Bridge.eu
European industry association for digital assistive technology DATEurope founded in early 2021. DAT includes aids for communication, for the blind and visually impaired, for environmental control, assistive call systems, software tools and robotics.
