Addressing potential medical device supply and shipping issues during the conflict in the Middle East

MDC Bulletin March 31, 2026, from the Health Product Shortages Directorate

Health Canada is closely monitoring potential impacts to Canada's medical device supply due to the conflict in the Middle East and associated disruptions to international shipping.

Health Canada has already conducted targeted outreach to certain manufacturers and Medical Device Establishment Licence (MDEL) holders that may have operations in the Middle East to assess potential impacts.

This bulletin is issued as a reminder of regulatory requirements related to the reporting of medical device shortages and discontinuations.

We strongly encourage companies to contact us proactively if they anticipate or are experiencing any supply impacts related to their medical devices. Early communication allows for timely coordination to mitigate potential disruptions for patients and help ensure access to medical devices in Canada.

Reporting shortages and discontinuations of specified medical devices

As per sections 62.21 to 62.26 of the Medical Devices Regulations (MDR), manufacturers of Class I to IV devices and importers of Class I devices must report shortages and discontinuations that will lead to a shortage for medical devices that belong to categories included on the List of Medical Devices - Notification of Shortages (also known as the List of Specified Medical Devices) to Health Canada.

We maintain and regularly update this list. Manufacturers of Class I to IV devices and importers of Class I devices should check the list on a regular basis to remain aware of the medical device categories for which mandatory reporting requirements apply.

A medical device also includes its components, accessories or parts.

The timely reporting of medical device shortages and discontinuations that will lead to shortage helps:

alert health care facilities and other manufacturers of supply gaps
health care providers and patients make timely and informed choices about their health
minimize the impact on patient care

For more information on medical device shortage and discontinuation reporting:

Reporting shortages and discontinuations of other medical devices

Manufacturers and importers are also encouraged to voluntarily report shortages and discontinuations for medical devices not found on the List of Medical Devices – Notification of Shortages.

We encourage voluntary reporting when:

the shortage is likely to create a patient or user safety issue in Canada
a substitute device, component, accessory or part is not readily available
the shortage is national in scope

Forms for reporting

To report shortages (including voluntary shortage reports), complete the electronic shortages reporting form.

Contact us

Page details

2026-03-31