Brexit: Healthcare

Our information has been adjusted based on the agreement between the EU and the UK. The government is currently analysing the agreement. These texts may change in the near future.

Do you have questions? Contact the Brexit desk.

For all questions, consult the Brexit Healthcare Information Point

Do you have any questions about what Brexit means for your healthcare? Then ask the Brexit Care Information Point: E: brexitzorg@minvws.nl T: 088-370 07 99 (available between 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM) The Brexit Healthcare Information Point (Brexit Zorg Informatie Punt, BZIP in Dutch) is there for questions from citizens, healthcare providers and companies in the medical sector. Visit the website of the Dutch government and read the questions and answers (in Dutch).

Key Considerations

• Medicines

  Import

  If you are importing goods from the UK, be aware that you are faced with all the obligations of an importer. In addition, border formalities apply since 1 January 2021.

  Export

  Certain procedures apply to the export of medicinal pharmaceutical products to countries outside the EU. It is important that you have the correct certificates and declarations.
  • Do you export medicines or medical devices? Then apply for an export certificate for pharmaceutical products or an import or export exemption for opiates from Farmatec (in Dutch).
  • Are you looking for certificates and declarations for the export of other medicines? Request them from the Chief Inspector of Pharmacy and Medical Technology (FMT) of the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (Inspectie Gezondheidszorg en Jeugd, IGJ, in Dutch).
  • Find Brexit information on medicinal products for human and animal use on the European Commission website.
  • Or contact the Medicines Evaluation Board (College ter beoordeling van geneesmiddelen CBG, in Dutch).
  • Apply to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for licenses to import medicine into the UK.

• Medical devices, in vitro diagnostics and human materials

  Existing laws and regulations between the EU and the UK have changed. No mutual recognition has been agreed. This means that products that you want to market in the UK must meet the requirements set by the UK, including any conformity assessments.

  • Follow the UK requirements for the marketing of medical devices and in vitro diagnostics with CE certificates. You will find them in the new 'route to market' and product marking for manufacturers.
  • Register your medical devices and in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDs) with the MHRA.
  • The UK will continue to accept certificates issued by recognised 'notified bodies' in the European Economic Area (EEA) and CE marking until 30 June 2023.

• Medical examination

  Traditionally, the United Kingdom has an important share in medical research in the European Union. Moreover, there is close cooperation with various Dutch research institutions. You will find more about the possible consequences of Brexit for clinical research on the website of the Central Committee on Human Research (Centrale Commissie Mensgebonden Onderzoek, in Dutch).

• BIG registered healthcare provider

  Do you work as a BIG-registered healthcare provider in the Netherlands with a British diploma, or do you work with a Dutch diploma as a healthcare provider in the United Kingdom? Or do you have plans in that direction? Read on the CIBG website what the agreement means for care providers and employers in different situations (in Dutch).

• GDPR and privacy

  There is a separate GDPR Helpdesk (General Data Protection Regulation, Algemene Verordening Gegevensbescherming) for the healthcare, welfare and sport sectors. There you will find sector-specific information about Brexit (in Dutch).

Five tips to manage your affairs: staff

Brexit has major consequences, especially if your company or organisation employs British employees. Make sure you are ready. These expert tips can help (in Dutch).

Sector organisations

• Dutch Hospitals Association NVZ

  The Dutch Association of Hospitals (De Nederlandse Vereniging van Ziekenhuizen, NVZ) represents the interests of Dutch general hospitals, rehabilitation centres and specialised care institutions. Visit the NVZ website for more information (in Dutch).

• GGZ

  Dutch mental healthcare (Geestelijke gezondheidszorg, GGZ) represents the interests of about a hundred institutions with more than 89,000 professionals. Visit the website of the Dutch mental health care for more information (in Dutch).

• Actiz

  ActiZ is the trade association of nearly four hundred organisations that are active in the field of care and support for the elderly, the (chronically) ill and youth. Visit the Actiz website for more information (in Dutch).

• VNO-NCW

  155 branch organisations and approximately 500 company members are affilliated to the VNO-NCW business association. Visit the website of VNO-NCW for more information (in Dutch).

• MKB-Nederland

  MKB-Nederland (Midden- en kleinbedrijf, MKB) represents more than 170,000 SME entrepreneurs. Visit the website of MKB Nederland for more information (in Dutch).