AdvaMed and ABHI are calling for zero-for-zero tariffs and greater regulatory alignment between the US and UK to protect patient access and medtech innovation.
US-based AdvaMed, representing medtech innovators, and the Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI), a trade association for medical technology companies in the United Kingdom, are calling for reciprocal “zero-for-zero” tariffs between the two countries and greater regulatory convergence. They note the prominence of medtech in both the US and UK health care systems and economies and the need to avoid disruptions in patient care that tariffs could cause in both countries.
In a joint statement, AdvaMed and ABHI describe the unique, highly regulated nature of the medtech industry and its fixed reimbursement environment. They note that those characteristics restrict the ability of medtech companies to switch manufacturing sites or for hospital customers to adjust to higher prices resulting from tariffs.
“Recent trade tensions and the threat of tariffs are posing a serious threat to our respective health technology industries and to the health systems, health care professionals, and patients who depend on us to ensure timely access to treatment,” the joint statement reads.
The joint statement also calls for the US and UK to continue developing a regulatory system in which the UK accepts regulatory approvals and clearance from the US Food and D ug Administration for medtech, a concept known as regulatory convergence. Such acceptance would expand access to innovation for UK patients and ensure the UK continues to be a strong global partner with the US in medical technology research and innovation.
Tariff flexibility and regulatory convergence are the shared goals among the US and key trading partners to promote continued innovation and patient access to the medtech, according to a press release from AdvaMed.
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