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EU–U.S. Tariff Deal – What It Means for Medical Technology, Laboratory Technology, Photonics, and OptometryOn July 27, 2025, the European Commission and the U.S. government reached an agreement on a provisional tariff deal. The goal is to stabilize transatlantic economic relations and avert impending tariff increases. The agreement takes effect on August 1, 2025, and also covers medical technology, laboratory technology, photonics, and ophthalmic optics. A flat U.S. tariff rate of no more than 15% will apply to the majority of EU exports. For certain “strategic products,” complete tariff exemption (“zero-for-zero”) is planned—details are still to be worked out. Medical Technology: The agreement defuses a looming conflict between the world’s largest medtech markets. It is currently unclear whether medical technologies or their precursors fall under the exemptions. SPECTARIS is in discussions with the European Commission on this matter through MedTech Europe. Photonics: The industry is affected in varying ways. Semiconductor products such as microchips will be subject to a flat tariff rate of 15 % in the future. In contrast, semiconductor manufacturing equipment such as lithography machines and test equipment will remain duty-free—a plus for European manufacturers. Laboratory Technology: It remains unclear whether diagnostic and analytical equipment falls under the exemption. For general equipment and consumables, a 15 % tariff is to be expected. Here, too, SPECTARIS is seeking a swift resolution. Optical products: Items such as eyeglass lenses and frames were not classified as strategic. Unfortunately, the new 15 % tariff rate applies to these items. What’s important: Further information is available in an FAQ from the European Commission —a legally binding text on the agreement has not yet been issued. |
Visits by Members of the Bundestag to SPECTARIS Members: On-Site Political Dialogue Gains MomentumWith an eye toward the new federal government and the many newly elected members of the Bundestag, SPECTARIS is pursuing a path of direct dialogue. A key component of this approach is holding in-person meetings in the constituencies, hosted jointly with our member companies. The goal is to highlight the key challenges facing our industries through direct dialogue with policymakers and to discuss solutions. Two meetings with members of parliament had already taken place by the end of July—with more to follow in the coming weeks. On July 28, Member of the Bundestag Günter Baumgartner (CSU) visited the metal goods manufacturer Walter H. Becker GmbH in Triftern, Lower Bavaria. Managing Director Helen Becker vividly described why reducing bureaucracy is vital for small and medium-sized enterprises. SPECTARIS Managing Director Jörg Mayer added a clear call for the removal of regulatory hurdles, such as those related to the MDR, the ban on PFAS substances, and foreign trade. Baumgartner was receptive and took these concerns back to Berlin. A day later, Bruker BioSpin in Ettlingen welcomed Nicolas Zippelius, a CDU member of the Bundestag. The foreign and development policy expert showed great interest in the company’s highly specialized technologies. The main topic of discussion was the export bureaucracy that burdens many companies. Bruker and SPECTARIS called for faster BAFA procedures and targeted support in opening up new markets—for example, through international trade shows and bilateral trade initiatives. These discussions show that personal exchanges among equals are effective and necessary for generating political momentum toward creating an innovation-friendly environment. |
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SPECTARIS at the 2025 PKM Summer Festival at the KronprinzenpalaisOn July 8, 2025, the traditional summer festival of the Parliamentary Group for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (PKM) took place at the Kronprinzenpalais on Unter den Linden—a major political highlight marking the end of the Bundestag’s final session week before the summer recess. More than 2,000 guests from the worlds of politics, business, and the media took the opportunity to network in person. The event was opened by Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Bundestag President Julia Klöckner, and other members of the federal government, who emphasized the importance of a strong SME sector and the economic policy directions for Germany. SPECTARIS was represented by 14 members of its Executive Board and staff—providing numerous opportunities for direct dialogue on the current challenges facing our industries. One photo from the evening captures a special moment: it shows our Chairman of the Medical Technology Association, Dr. Martin Leonhard, in conversation with Federal Minister of Health Nina Warken and BVMed Chairman Mark Jalaß. Expectations of policymakers are high—what is needed now are concrete initiatives to drive innovation, competitiveness, and stable framework conditions. |
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EU Legislative Initiative: New Labeling Requirements Planned for Consumer ProductsThe EU plans to require consumer products to include standardized information on statutory warranties (at least in A4 format) and—if applicable—manufacturer warranties (at least 9.5 x 10 cm) at the point of sale and online. Medical devices used directly by consumers would also be affected. Further information is to be accessible via a QR code. These requirements would entail a significant additional burden for the healthcare industry: extensive new signage, unclear responsibilities between retailers and manufacturers, considerable organizational effort—especially for frequently changing product lines—as well as high paper consumption. Transition periods are hardly provided for. |
Future Technologies in Action: Photonics for Defense and SecurityAs part of Photonics Days 2025, the SPECTARIS Photonics Trade Association will host the symposium “Photonics in Security & Defense” on October 8, 2025, at the WISTA Event Center in Berlin-Adlershof. With over 400 participants, 100 speakers, and 30 exhibitors, Photonics Days is one of the most important industry events of the year. The symposium will address current developments in optoelectronic sensor systems, laser-guided energy weapon systems, high-energy lasers, imaging, quantum-based technologies, and regulatory frameworks in the defense sector. Discussions will focus on applications in land, air, and sea platforms, as well as aspects of material availability and procurement. Other key topics at Photonics Days 2025: optical design and optical simulation, semiconductors and heterointegration, BQQT-Berlin Quantum Technology, ophthalmology, measurement technology in nanooptics, innovative applications of modern lighting technologies, crystals for photonic applications, and new applications of PIC. Click here to register for Photonics Days 2025. |
EU4Health 2025 Brings New Funding Opportunities for MedTech, Along with Risks for the FutureThe European Commission has adopted the EU4Health 2025 Work Program. It has a total budget of 571 million euros. Funding will be provided for, among other things, digital health solutions, technology assessment, resilience in health crises, as well as medical devices and substances of human origin. Of particular interest to the medtech industry: SMEs are to receive targeted support, such as regulatory advice and assistance with conformity assessments for innovative products. A funding area for “orphan medical devices,” particularly in pediatrics, also opens up new opportunities for niche innovations that benefit society. However, the total budget for the multi-year EU4Health program (2021–2027) was cut by one billion euros as part of the 2024 EU budget review. This cut affects the remaining years of the program starting in 2025. A follow-up strategy for the next EU financial framework (2028–2034) has not yet been established. As a result, there is a risk that important initiatives will lose momentum in the long term. This makes it all the more important that existing funds can be accessed efficiently, without red tape, and in a targeted manner—especially for innovative medtech small and medium-sized enterprises, which account for 93% of all companies in Germany. The complete EU4Health 2025 work program can be found here. |
New Section: Faces of SPECTARIS – People. Topics. Connections.SPECTARIS—it’s not just about topics, positions, and projects, but above all, the people behind them. With our new column , “Faces of SPECTARIS,” we’d like to introduce you to a colleague from our association team in every issue. Our goal is to show who at SPECTARIS is responsible for which topics—and to make it easier for you, as a member, to get in direct contact with your point person. We’ll start with Yvette Scheuba from the Medical Technology Association. General Information
My Responsibilities at SPECTARIS In this role, I support our members What I Love About My Work What else? |
News from our Member Portal (exclusive to members)Would you like to stay up to date on the latest topics in your industry and field? Would you like to network with people with whom you can discuss these topics? Is your company a member of the SPECTARIS industry association? If so, you can access the interactive member portal mySPECTARIS for free. With over 100 groups, you can find exactly the information you need for your job. Around 2,000 users are already active on mySPECTARIS—will you be next? Here's a sneak peek at current discussions and expert insights from various editorial groups on mySPECTARIS:
Be sure to recommend mySPECTARIS to your colleagues, too—everyone benefits from this wealth of expert knowledge! Become a member now & get exclusive industry news: www.myspectaris.de/users/sign_up
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Event HighlightSPECTARIS FUTURE FESTIVAL 2025 – Join us for our highlight of the year! |
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Privacy at SPECTARIS: We Keep You InformedThe protection of your personal data is important to us. You can find out how we handle your personal data in accordance with the GDPR of May 25, 2018,here: . |
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