The war in the Ukraine has generated new questions around medical device safety and production, including conversations regarding importing medical devices into Russia.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine prompted a swift response from the international community, with multiple countries imposing damaging economic sanctions on Russia as a means of non-violent intervention. Many countries imposed export restrictions on products or components of products considered to be dual-use, with both civilian and military functions. An example of this was seen in late February when the US Department of Commerce imposed restrictions on tech exports to Russia, citing concerns of use in military equipment. The list of restricted products included semiconductors, computers, telecommunications equipment, sensors, lasers and other technologies.
Despite these broad measures, export licenses are often granted on a case-by-case basis if items are deemed necessary for humanitarian and civilian needs. Medical devices in tech-heavy markets—such as diagnostic imaging, ophthalmology, cardiovascular and patient monitoring devices—often serve an essential purpose and have few domestic substitutes available within the Russian market. With the exception of laser-containing devices, exports of many of these devices are expected to bypass recent tech sanctions. However, supply issues will arise from the reduced buying power of the ruble and rising import costs.
Read the full story at Medical Device Network.
