What will the fall-out of political tensions between the EU and Switzerland mean for notified bodies based in Switzerland, and for the future recognition of CE marks granted in one of the most important medtech markets in Europe?

Eighteen years of free trade threatens to come to a sudden stop, as a result of the stalemate in the market access agreement between Switzerland and the EU. Industry association Swiss Medtech is advising local medtech manufacturers to find notified bodies and authorized representatives based in the EU. However, local company SQS remains confident of its ongoing notified body role.

The last year of the run up to the full implementation of the MDR has been characterized by a flurry of new documents and measures, but industry is adamant that medtech is heading for a crisis that will impact industry and patients alike.