India Settles On Classifications For Nearly 600 Devices, IVDs

Announced after three years of negotiation, the FTA eliminates tariffs on 99% of Indian product types, covering nearly all trade value, and reduces tariffs on 90% of UK products. Although not yet formally signed, the deal is being positioned by the Indian government as “transformative,” with an estimated economic impact of $6.4bn for the UK alone by 2040.

A study from Babson Diagnostics published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Applied Laboratory Medicine showed that capillary blood sample volume issues can overcome historical challenges, such as poor quality, through a technique called assay miniaturization.

The US FDA recently announced plans to carry out more unannounced inspections of foreign facilities. But those inspections will primarily target drug producers, with less attention and resources allocated to those making devices.

Global investment in consumer healthtech increased by 9% year-over-year in 2024, totaling $4.5bn, with significant interest in mental health solutions, according to Galen Growth. While the first quarter of 2025 saw raised confidence and investments, the Trump administration’s new tariffs and sweeping changes to healthcare have introduced new uncertainties.