April 12, 2025 – The Swiss medical technology industry faces growing uncertainty following the U.S. government's recent decision to impose import tariffs on countries with trade surpluses. With a considerable surplus, Switzerland has been hit with a 31% tariff—significantly higher than many other nations. This move directly threatens the Swiss MedTech sector, which exported CHF 2.8 billion worth of medical technology products to the U.S. in 2023, making the U.S. the second most important market after the EU.
Call for Action from Industry Leaders
Swiss Medtech, the national association representing over 800 medical technology companies, has urgently called the Swiss Federal Council to initiate immediate diplomatic engagement with Washington. Damian Müller, President of Swiss Medtech, emphasized the importance of protecting Switzerland's key export channels and reiterated the demand for swift regulatory adjustments—especially regarding recognizing U.S. FDA-approved medical devices in Switzerland. This recognition, which Parliament already mandated in 2022, would ensure continued patient access and supply chain security and send a clear signal of Switzerland's openness to fair and constructive trade relations.
Relevance for Swiss Authorized Representatives (CH-REPs)
This situation also directly impacts Swiss Authorized Representatives (CH-REPs), who serve as the official point of contact in Switzerland for foreign medtech manufacturers, particularly those based in the U.S. CH-REPs like QNET CH-REP GmbH play a critical role in ensuring the regulatory compliance of non-Swiss manufacturers marketing products within the Swiss market.
The current tension between Switzerland and the U.S. underlines the importance of regulatory cooperation and alignment. As CH-REPs, we are closely monitoring the implications of these tariffs on supply chains, regulatory access, and partner confidence. We support Swiss Medtech's call for immediate action to recognize FDA-approved devices in Switzerland, as this would facilitate continued collaboration with U.S. manufacturers while reinforcing Switzerland's role as a reliable and innovation-friendly medical technology hub.
Need for Diversification and Strategic Resilience
"Export barriers not only threaten companies, but also jobs, innovation, and the security of medical supply," said Adrian Hunn, Director of Swiss Medtech. He added that Switzerland must act in a flexible, determined, and strategic manner. In addition to addressing challenges with the U.S., the industry urges the Swiss government to strengthen further trade relationships with the EU, which remains Switzerland's largest market and employment base for the MedTech sector.
While a 90-day suspension of the "reciprocal" tariffs has been announced for most countries, Switzerland continues to face the full 31% rate. The Swiss government has stated it seeks clarification and resolution through diplomatic dialogue.
QNET CH-REP GmbH's Position
As a CH-REP serving numerous international clients, QNET CH-REP GmbH stands with Swiss Medtech in advocating for regulatory pragmatism and international alignment. The recognition of FDA-approved products in the Swiss system would benefit manufacturers and CH-REPs and help safeguard Switzerland's role as a global medtech leader amid an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
We remain committed to supporting our clients in navigating this evolving regulatory environment and ensuring uninterrupted market access.