European Medical Device Logistics Support

EDM Services can assist you with determining the best solutions for shipping your products to Europe. When exporting products many medical device companies start by shipping orders direct to European distributors or customers. However, as the frequency of orders and order volumes increase it may become lucrative to consolidate orders in bulk shipments or to establish a suitable warehousing arrangement for the European market.

Approximately 600 million consumers, many of whom are now within the European Union (EU), can be within easy reach from a centralized warehouse location.

Warehousing & Transportation

In situations where companies are shipping direct to multiple distributors or customers in the EU, consolidation of these shipments may result in significantly lower shipping costs. And instead of requiring each distributor to keep a minimum inventory level, you as the supplier can decide to keep products warehoused in a centralized European location to reduce total inventory levels in the supply chain while maintaining the option to ship next day to the European distributors and customers. Results are cost savings in the European supply chain, higher service levels to distributors and customers, and increased market share.

When importing products into Europe and warehousing these products in a centralized location, customs duties and value added tax (VAT) apply.

Customs Duties and Value Added Tax (VAT)

Postponement of customs duties can be arranged by warehousing your products in a customs bonded warehouse for an unlimited period of time. During this period no customs duties are due. Customs duties at import need to be paid when the goods are actually imported into the free circulation of the European Union.

Value Added Tax (VAT) is due upon import of products into the European Union and varies per EU country from 15-25%. This is a supply chain tax, and is refundable to businesses, usually by submitting a quarterly VAT return. Certain countries in the European Union allow for VAT deferment until the next VAT return, which provides a lucrative cash flow benefit to importers.

A non-European importer that does not have a permanent establishment within the European Union can appoint a fiscal representative to handle customs and VAT on their behalf.

Finding and selecting warehousing & transportation partners

When looking for a third party logistics provider for your European warehousing and transportation needs, we can assist you with the following:

Step 1: Determine your medical device logistics needs

Depending on if you are starting up or optimizing your logistics operation(s) in Europe, your needs can range from a European distribution location to warehouse, pick, and ship your products to a full service value-added logistics facility where products can be assembled or customized to the specific needs of your European customer base. The choice is yours! It is also possible to select a logistics provider as your fiscal representative.

Step 2: Identify potential EU logistics providers

Through our extensive logistics experience and existing network we are very familiar with the capabilities of European logistics service providers specialized in medical devices. Based on your logistics needs we can identify the logistics providers that best fit your needs.

Step 3: Meet with potential logistics partners

Seeing is believing! We can set up on-site meetings for you with logistics providers that fit your needs and if required accompany you on these visits.

Please contact us for more information or a free proposal on European medical device logistics support.