DD & Medfx's Brexit Preparation
We are aware that many of you have questions and concerns about the impact of Brexit. The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020 and entered a year-long transition period, governed by the Withdrawal Agreement. Brexit will impact many sectors of the economy, including the dental sector.
DD & Medfx’s Brexit preparations are being given the highest priority and overseen by a cross functional team. We deal with manufacturers of products from all around the globe not just within the EU and have a fantastic internal team supported by external specialists that allow us to deal with import and export processes effectively and efficiently. DD & Medfx have been actively planning for this transition and therefore we are confident in our ability to minimise the impact on our customers. We have summarised key risks and our mitigation strategies below:
Risk:
Currently, medicines and medical devices can be traded between the EU and UK without tariffs, quotas or non-tariff barriers. Our largest EU suppliers anticipate a 1.5% - 6% increase in their costs with most being at the lower end of this scale.
DD & Medfx’s Mitigation:
DD & Medfx will continue to work with our suppliers in the EU to identify efficiencies where possible. Where price increases cannot be avoided, DD & Medfx will endeavour to inform customers in a transparent way and assist in finding alternative product options if required.
Risk:
Lack of supply due to delays in shipping or at ports due to addtional paperwork and checks.
DD & Medfx’s Mitigation:
The UK Government has an active interest in minimising delays into the UK and recognise the importance of products supplied to medical and dental professionals. These products have been deemed Category A products and the Government has emergency arrangements with shipping companies that will allow distributors and manufacturers to book secured crossings. DD & Medfx has signed up to this initiative. Addtionally, we have arrangements with our own logistics agents to use alternative shipping routes avoiding main ports if back logs occur.
DD & Medfx have actively been working with our suppliers to ensure that they have sufficient stocks in the UK to meet customer demand and where they do not have UK facilities, DD & Medfx has increased our stockholding to cover anticipated delays.
DD & Medfx’s clinical team will also ensure that suitable alternative products are available and visible on our website in the event of any delays.
Risk:
Regulation of medicines and medical devices for the UK is currently coordinated by the EMA on an EU level and nationally this is administered by the MHRA who require all suppliers (including DD & Medfx) of medical devices to have a UK Responsible Person who acts as a liaison should any safety concerns arise.
The MHRA has confirmed that all EU CE marked products will remain acceptable to sell within the UK until 30 June 2023. A new UKCA mark (equivalent to the CE mark) may be used by manufacturers wishing to sell products into the UK from the 1st January 2021.
DD & Medfx’s Mitigation:
DD & Medfx’s expert regulatory and compliance team are working closely with manufacturers to ensure they have the required certification. We have a clear link with those responsible for disseminating information including post-market safety surveillance, so can act promptly in this regard.
ADD & Medfxitionally, the team remain extremely vigilant and ensure appropriate checks are carried out whenever new products are listed to reduce the risk of counterfeits and/or poor-quality products.
DD & Medfx’s expert regulatory and compliance team are working closely with manufacturers to ensure they have the required certification. We have a clear link with those responsible for disseminating information including post-market safety surveillance, so can act promptly in this regard.
ADD & Medfxitionally, the team remain extremely vigilant and ensure appropriate checks are carried out whenever new products are listed to reduce the risk of counterfeits and/or poor-quality products.
Risk:
Data protection concerns
DD & Medfx’s Mitigation:
The UK Data Privacy Act 2018 mirrors the EU General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) but already incorporates requirements to deal with Brexit.
DD & Medfx do not see any personal data issues post Brexit as we process our customer data within the UK and do not transfer any outside. Customers in RoI will be providing personal data to us within the UK but no transfer by DD & Medfx will take place.
Summary:
DD & Medfx’s priority is to support our customers to the highest of standards. We will continue to keep you informed of any further progress and will communicate our next steps as new developments arise.
