#Coronavirus - Commission proposes to postpone the application of the Medical Devices Regulation to prioritise the fight against the coronavirus pandemic

The European Commission has adopted a proposal to postpone by one year the date of application of the Medical Devices Regulation to allow member states, health institutions and economic operators to prioritize the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

This decision takes into account the unprecedented challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and the need for an increased availability of vitally important medical devices across the EU whilst continuing to ensure patient health and safety until the new legislation becomes applicable.

Promoting our European Way of Life Vice-President Margaritis Schinas, said: “Shortages or delays in getting key medical devices certified and on the market are not an option right now. The Commission is therefore taking a pragmatic approach and delaying the entry into application of new EU rules on medical devices, so we can have our medical industries pouring all their energy into what we need them to be doing: helping fight the pandemic. This shows once again that the European Union is leaving no stone unturned in our support to national public health systems in their hour of need.”

Health and Food Safety Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said: “Our priority is to support member states to address the coronavirus crisis and protect public health as powerfully as possible – by all means necessary. Any potential market disruptions regarding the availability of safe and essential medical devices must and will be avoided. Today's decision is a necessary measure in these very exceptional times.”

A press release is available online.

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