Statement by B. Braun Medical Ltd. Ireland on Brexit Preparedness
At the end of March 2017, the United Kingdom (UK) notified the European Council that it intends to withdraw from the European Union (EU).
B. Braun in Ireland together with our parent organization in Germany has been making preparations to ensure continuity of supply even if the UK fully exits the current EU systems on 29 March 2019.
Following a review of our entire supply chain for B. Braun products being supplied to the Irish market we wish to reassure you that all products manufactured and sourced from our parent company are shipped direct to Ireland and are not trans-shipped via the UK land bridge.
B. Braun products are shipped from our central distribution centres in Germany & Spain and are transported via seaports (Rotterdam or Zeebrugge to Dublin) and airports in mainland Europe direct to Ireland.
We have also established that our shipping agents have confirmed that the requisite capacity to transport the products direct to Ireland is based on already agreed contracts and that the available fleet and equipment has the capacity to handle any extra demands which might occur as a result of a hard BREXIT.
In light of this we are confident that the supply of products will not be interrupted notwithstanding the risk related to delays at ports/borders over which we have no control.
In line with Government guidance we advise that there is no need for hospitals, pharmacists or patients to order extra quantities of medicines or devices.
For a very small number of products (<1%) we source ex UK, we are making appropriate arrangements to ensure we have sufficient stock reach to meet local demand.
B. Braun has established an internal working group to regularly monitor the emerging Brexit situation and to ensure that we are prepared for the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
As an extra safeguard, we are also willing to work with customers who may need to further mitigate their exposure to Brexit vulnerable medicinal products or medical devices.
As always our overriding priority is the patient, and B. Braun Medical as an Irish entity (since 1980) will remain committed to meeting our social and regulatory responsibilities to local health care professionals and your patients.
If you need further advice please contact B. Braun.