Jun 19, 2012
A national strike by customs workers in Brazil has the potential to significantly delay imports of medical devices into the country.
Emergo Group’s Brasilia office reports that the strike, which took effect June 18, will affect all stages of cargo storage, including loading and unloading of shipments, import and export clearances, parameterizations and administrative processes. All Brazilian Registration Holder clients should be aware of these developments.
Furthermore, cancellations of docking and undocking activities across Brazil may also occur.
We will report further details as we get them. Please stay tuned.
Medical device manufacturers interested in submitting comments to Brazilian regulator ANVISA regarding proposed new grouping criteria have until May 8 to do so.
Update 08/27/2012: The Brazilian Supreme Court has recently ordered ANVISA to operate at 70% capacity despite the agency's ongoing strike in order to address medical supply issues affecting healthcare providers in the country. According to Emergo Group's Brasilia office as well as Brazilian shipping service provider Fiorde International, various hospitals in Brazil are reporting shortages of blood reagents, medications and other hospital materials that are reportedly stalled at the border and cannot clear Brazilian customs. Barring a breakthrough in ongoing negotiations, observers expect effects of the ANVISA strike to last through November.