Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) and Swiss Medtech are calling for reciprocal “zero for zero” tariffs between the U.S. and Switzerland.
The two organizations are also advocating for Switzerland to become the first EU country to recognize U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals and clearances. In a statement, AdvaMed and Swiss MedTech said this reflects the prominent role that medtech plays in both the U.S. and Swiss health care systems and economies, as well as the critical need to avoid disruptions in patient care that tariffs could cause.
They also noted that the highly regulated nature and fixed reimbursements of the medtech industry make it more challenging for companies to move manufacturing sites, or for hospital customers to absorb the higher prices that would result from tariffs.
In addition, AdvaMed and Swiss MedTech are urging the U.S. and Switzerland to continue developing a regulatory system in which private institutions will “review the relevant conditions under a simplified conformity assessment procedure, taking into account elements already performed by the FDA.” This system would increase access to innovation for Swiss patients as well as ensure that Switzerland remains a strong partner to the U.S. in advancing medical technology research and innovation, the two associations said.
