The UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has announced a significant change in its approach to charging medical device companies for post-market surveillance (PMS) fees. This revision comes in response to concerns raised by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) about the initial fee structure.
New fee model implementation
Starting from April 1, 2026, the MHRA will implement a new fee model that charges device manufacturers an annual fee based on the number of GMDN level 2 categories under which their devices are registered. This is a shift from the initially proposed level 5 categories. Under the new model, companies will pay once per level 2 category annually, regardless of the number of products within that category.
Impact on SMEs
The annual fee is estimated to be around £300 per level 2 category. This change is expected to benefit SMEs, as approximately 60% of manufacturers, mainly those with fewer product categories, will only need to pay a single charge. This adjustment aims to ease the financial burden on smaller companies.
Transition and cost recovery
The new fee will replace the current one-off registration fee of £261, providing the MHRA with a more predictable income stream. During the 2025-26 and 2026-27 financial years, PMS work will be subsidised, with full cost recovery planned from 2027-28.
Source: Medtech Insight (an Informa product)