The United Arab Emirates is a prime market for MedTech expansion, but entry is guarded by a critical gatekeeper: the Local Authorized Representative. This role is far more than a simple administrative requirement; it is a legal necessity that holds significant sway over a manufacturer's success and compliance. This episode of MedTech Global Insights explores the essential functions, legal responsibilities, and strategic importance of the UAE Authorized Representative.

We uncover the day-to-day duties of a representative, from managing initial MOHAP registration to handling critical post-market surveillance and vigilance reporting. We also dissect the common but risky practice of appointing a distributor for this role and explain how this can jeopardize your market access and create long-term complications.

Consider this scenario: A European MedTech company appoints its UAE distributor as its Authorized Representative to save on costs. A year later, they decide to switch to a new, more effective distributor. However, they discover the product registration is legally held by the original distributor, who is now unwilling to transfer it without a substantial fee. The company is now trapped: either pay the exorbitant fee or pull their product from the market and start the entire costly registration process over with a new representative, losing over a year of sales and market presence.

Key Takeaways:

- Is appointing your distributor as your legal representative a strategic shortcut or a long-term liability?

- What are the specific legal responsibilities your company is delegating to your UAE representative?

- How can the wrong representative choice lead to a complete loss of market access during a distributor change?

- What are the key differences in post-market vigilance requirements between the EU and the UAE that your representative must know?

- How do you verify if a potential representative has the expertise to handle complex interactions with MOHAP?

- Why is an independent representative crucial for maintaining control over your product registration and intellectual property?

- What happens if your representative fails to properly report an adverse event to the authorities?

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