International Regulators Forum Adds To Ambitious Policy Agenda

After multiple warning letters and safety communications, the US FDA has decided to block the import of certain endoscopes from Olympus. In total, the agency’s action pertains to 58 device models manufactured by the Japanese firm used in urinary, respiratory, abdominal and pelvic procedures.

From June 30, new European Commission rules will attempt to redress an imbalance in medtech trade between the EU and the People’s Republic of China.

During MD&M East in Manhattan last week, a panel of experts discussed how the Trump administration’s trade policy is affecting manufacturing and offered some ideas on what manufacturers can do to help mitigate the chaos.

Announced after three years of negotiation, the FTA eliminates tariffs on 99% of Indian product types, covering nearly all trade value, and reduces tariffs on 90% of UK products. Although not yet formally signed, the deal is being positioned by the Indian government as “transformative,” with an estimated economic impact of $6.4bn for the UK alone by 2040.