Impact of No-Deal Brexit on Medical Devices

The currently expected Brexit day of October 31st 2019 is approaching and with a no-deal or cliff edge Brexit a very real possibility, there are several key areas for medical device companies to consider in terms of impact to their business in the event of a no-deal Brexit scenario. We wish to highlight here two areas for consideration for the medical devices sector:

  1. Non-European medical device manufacturers that currently use a UK based Authorised Representative
  2. Medical device manufacturers who rely on the services of a UK based Notified Body for their certification

Brexit & EU Authorised Representatives

After Brexit on October 31st 2019, the UK will no longer be a Member State of the European Union and will not have direct access to the 27 European Member States. Companies that use a UK based Authorised Representative will be required to have an EU based Authorised Representative. Medical device manufacturers based outside of Europe who currently use the services of a UK based Authorised Representative are advised to consider switching Authorised Representatives as soon as possible. It should be noted that transitioning to a new Authorised Representative involves appointing a new service provider for this purpose but also has implications for labelling, quality systems, registrations in Member States and Certificates of Free Sale among other documentation areas. A streamlined and efficient changeover plan should be discussed with any new Authorised Representative service provider to ensure an orderly transition.

Brexit & Notified Bodies

Medical device manufacturers who rely on the services of a UK based Notified Body for their certification are also potentially heavily impacted by a no-deal Brexit scenario. In the event of a no-deal Brexit, Notified Body certificates issued by UK based Notified Bodies will become void after October 31st 2019. In this event, products covered by UK notified body-issued EC Certificates of Conformity will not be able to be lawfully sold in the EU27 on or after October 31st 2019. BSI has established an operation in the Netherlands and has issued advise to client companies regarding migration of certificates. The LRQA, however, has decided to exit the medical devices notified body sector as we discuss in our video below. For the other Notified Bodies, we understand that they are also involved in establishing operations in EU Member States but that these may not be in a position to issue new certificates in advance of Brexit date of October 31st 2019. This situation is under intense discussion at national and European level as it is recognised that it presents particular difficulties for companies affected. It is possible that transition arrangements may be put in place to allow for the distribution of devices covered by this specific type of certificate for a limited period of time, ensuring a secure transfer of these certificates.

With Brexit day fast approaching, it is important to be prepared for the possibility of a no-deal situation and what it may mean for your medical device supply chain.

  • Does your company currently use a UK based Authorised Representative?
  • Does your company rely on certification issued by a UK based Notified Body?

Acorn Regulatory is assisting clients in preparing for Brexit, assessing the impact of a potential no-deal Brexit scenario, and how to mitigate risks identified. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.

Further Reading on EU Authorised Representative

Update on the EU Authorised Representative & Brexit

The UK is no longer a member of the European Union. However, until December 31st, 2020 it will be bound by EU legislation.  From January 1st, 2021 the UK will be completely outside of the European Union. Negotiations regarding a future trade deal are ongoing, while Covid-19 restrictions continue.  The UK is expected to leave at the end of the year and has the option, until June 30th, to seek an extension to the December 31st, 2020 departure date. We look at the latest on the EU Authorised Representative and Brexit.

Read the full article, from 2020, here.

Moving EU Authorised Representative: Find Out How To Move

Does your company currently have an EU Authorised Representative that is based in the United Kingdom?  If so, your company will have to consider moving EU Authorised Representative very soon to ensure that you have representation with the European Union once the UK leaves the European Union.  Acorn Regulatory can assist you in moving your EU Authorised Representative from the UK to Ireland.   The result of the December 12th, 2019 election saw the Conservative Party win an overwhelming majority, having campaigned on the slogan ‘Get Brexit Done‘.  The UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, led the UK out of the EU in January 2020. Now, as the UK progresses through the transitional period and to a complete break from the European Union, medical device companies need to make urgent preparations to change EU Authorised Representative.

Read the full article, originally written in 2019, here.

About the Author

John Seekings
Medical Devices Manager
John Seekings manages the Acorn Regulatory medical devices team. He is an experienced device expert having spent over 20 years in the sector working with companies in Ireland, the UK, Germany, Switzerland and elsewhere.
Contact John

Bronwyn Kelly
Senior Regulatory Affairs Advisor - Medical Devices
Bronwyn Kelly is a Senior Regulatory Affairs Advisor in our growing medical devices team. She has a wealth of experience in both device and pharmaceutical regulatory affairs and she has worked with some of the world's biggest companies in both sectors, In her current role she works with device clients on issues such as EU Authorised Representative and PRRC (Person Responsible for Regulatory Compliance) related issues. You can read medical device and related articles written by Bronwyn Kelly by clicking the link below.
Other articles by Bronwyn Kelly