MEDICAL DEVICES AND KEY EUROPEAN TRADE FEDERATIONS

The medical devices industry constitutes a key sector for healthcare. It is one of the most innovative sectors, improving and saving lives every day by providing innovative solutions for diagnosis, prevention and treatments. The medical devices industry is also a major employer in Europe. However these companies face challenges of national, European and international dimensions that may have an impact on their innovation capacity and their competitiveness. These difficulties might have consequences on the health of European citizens.

1. European Coordination of the Radiological and Electromedical Industry (COCIR):  COCIR is the European Trade Association representing the medical imaging, health ICT and electromedical industries.  Founded in 1959, COCIR is a non-profit association headquartered in Brussels (Belgium) with a China Desk based in Beijing since 2007. COCIR is unique as it brings together the healthcare, IT and telecommunications industries. Its focus is to open markets for COCIR members in Europe and beyond. COCIR provides a wide range of services on regulatory, technical, market intelligence, environmental, standardisation, international and legal affairs. COCIR is also a founding member of DITTA, the Global Diagnostic Imaging, Healthcare IT and Radiation Therapy Trade Association.
2. European Association of Authorized Representatives (EAAR): The European Association of Authorised Representatives (EAAR) is an alliance of European Authorised Representatives who have joined forces to promote professional conduct and competence. EAAR members possess a shared vision of enhancing the quality of European Authorised Representation and aim to provide an understanding of European Authorised Representatives’ responsibilities to other stakeholders. The concept of an Authorized Representative is based on legal requirements of the European Directives 93/42/EEC (the MDD), 98/79/EC (the IVDD) and 90/385/EEC (the AIMDD) for non-European Manufacturers. The Authorised Representative within the European Union (EU) may assume certain responsibilities on behalf of the manufacturer if delegated by the manufacturer.
3. European Diagnostic Manufacturers Association (EDMA): EDMA, the European Diagnostic Manufacturers Association, is an international, non-profit organisation based in Brussels. Its primary role is to represent the in vitro diagnostic (IVD) industry, informing and educating on the contribution that IVDs play in ensuring that public healthcare systems remain effective and sustainable. By allowing the swift and accurate assessment of health risks, IVDs optimise patient outcomes and reduce waste. EDMA represents over 500 companies, ranging from innovative small and medium-sized enterprises to leading manufacturers, as well as national IVD associations from across Europe. Through EDMA’s active engagement, EU policymakers are kept aware of the specific technological, regulatory and economic challenges facing the industry. The team at EDMA is active in a number of EU initiatives, working with other stakeholders to ensure that the unique needs of the industry are recognised where and when IVD policy is discussed. EDMA is a central contact point for the industry and keeps its members informed of all relevant regulatory developments that may impact their business. EDMA also offers its membership access to invaluable resources and regulatory expertise, helping them engage constructively with their stakeholders both nationally and internationally.
4. European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (EHIMA): The European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (EHIMA) represents the six major European hearing instrument manufacturers, producing up to 90% of hearing aids made in Europe. EHIMA was founded in 1985 and members are among the world's largest and most advanced hearing aid manufacturers. Members of EHIMA develop, manufacture and market hearing instruments on a large scale in one or more countries in Europe and export their products worldwide, as well.
5. Medical Technologies Industries in Europe (EUCOMED): EUCOMED represents the medical technology industry in Europe. Its mission is to make modern, innovative and reliable medical technology available to more people. EUCOMED members include both national and pan-European trade and product associations as well as medical technology manufacturers. In total ECOMED represents around 25,000 designers, manufacturers and suppliers of medical technology used in the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and amelioration of disease and disability. The industry employs more than 575,000 people, with a market size that is estimated at roughly € 100 billion in Europe and encompasses more than 500,000 different medical technologies from sticking plasters and wheel chairs through to pacemakers and replacement joints. EUCOMED promotes a balanced policy environment that enables the industry to meet the growing healthcare needs and expectations of stakeholders. ECOMED maintains a close dialogue with them and demonstrate the value of medical technology through health-economic research, data collection, membership services and clear communications. The secretariat comprises some 30 experts who are in continuous contact with EU stakeholders.
6. European Federation of Precision Mechanical and Optical Industries (EUROM): The European Federation EUROM was founded in Brussels in 1958, shortly after the establishment of the European Community. EUROM represents the interests of manufacturers in the European precision mechanical and optical industries in dealings with the EU Commission and other European, national and international institutions. Precision engineering, process automation and manufacturing processes are becoming more complex, requiring highly complex, integrated instruments and control systems which include management information systems and are capable of improving the competitiveness of European industry. Although a relatively small market sector it is a provider of key enabling technologies essential to the sustainability and growth of many other major market sectors. EUROM is therefore actively engaged in Europe as a representative of the precision mechanical and optical industries: EUROM I Optical Industries, EUROM II Optics, Laser & Laboratory Technology, EUROM VI Medical Technology.
7. European Contact Lens and Lens Care Industry’s Association (EUROMCONTACT): The mission of Euromcontact is to represent the views of the European contact lens industry to the EU Institutions;  to have established uniform legislation and procedures for the manufacture, standardisation and testing of products throughout the EU and to  maintain the regulatory framework up to date in light of industrial and commercial developments;  to maintain high standards for contact lens and care products in the EU;  to promote the expansion of the European market and opportunities to export; to seek to ensure fair competitiveness; to safeguard economic, industrial and trade interests of the European sector of the industry.
8. Federation of European Dental Industry (FIDE): FIDE was founded in May 1957, with its Headquarters located since that time in Cologne/Germany. Today, FIDE represents the interests of more than 550 dental manufacturers who are in affiliation with FIDE through their membership in national dental manufacturers associations in Europe. FIDE’s involvement on its members behalf in Europe and the world includes the following areas: Liaison and lobby efforts with medical legislation, standardization bodies (European Commission, CEN TC 55, ISO TC 106); the representation of the European dental manufacturing industry to international bodies (IDM, FDI, ISO); reliable statistics for the dental industry; co-ordination of interests in regard to international dental exhibitions and congresses; working groups on technical aspects of the dental industry.  FIDE is a founding member of the IDM (International Dental Manufacturers Association), and an affiliate member of the FDI World Dental Federation. In affiliation with the whole dental sector, FIDE maintains relations with the dental practice through the ERO and FEPPD, and to the dental trade through the European Associations of Dental Dealers- A.D.D.E. Together, the FIDE Executive Committee and the A.D.D.E. Board of Officers comprise the European Dental Business Committee- EBCD, providing a forum for regular exchange. The close cooperation between A.D.D.E. and FIDE has lead to the creation of the joint European Dental Market Survey, which is published annually.