Switzerland Missed Opportunity in US Trade Talks on Medical Tech

Switzerland appears to be offering less than the United States desires in ongoing trade negotiations, particularly concerning the expedited approval of American medical technology within Switzerland. While the Swiss government has signaled its willingness to make concessions, the phrasing of its commitments has drawn criticism.

The Swiss Federal Council's unilateral declaration in late June, issued by President Guy Parmelin, repeatedly uses the phrase "Switzerland intends to." This cautious language, according to observers, may be a reason why the Trump administration has not yet agreed to a trade deal. The US reportedly prefers a more definitive commitment, such as "we will," rather than the more ambiguous "we intend to."

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We are slowly losing patience.

Among the potential areas for concessions, the approval of US-certified medical devices has seen the most advanced preparatory work. The Federal Office of Public Health has been working on necessary regulatory changes since May 2025. However, the government's declaration indicates a timeline for implementing these changes by the third quarter of 2027, a delay that has met with significant pushback from the Swiss Medtech industry.

Industry representatives, like Adrian Hunn, director of the Swiss Medtech association, express growing impatience. He stated that the process has been moving too slowly for years and that the current trade negotiations present an ideal opportunity to swiftly implement the approval of FDA-certified medical technology, which he deems sensible. The parliamentary motion urging the Federal Council to facilitate this process further highlights the industry's desire for faster action, contrasting with the perceived bureaucratic inertia within the Swiss administration.

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It has been going too slowly for years. The customs negotiations with the USA would be a good opportunity to quickly implement the approval of FDA-certified medtech products, which is sensible anyway.