Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he plans to update the Wave 1 Part IX categorisation published by the NHS Business Services Authority: and what mechanisms are in place for the Drug Tariff Committee and suppliers to provide input into revisions.

The final draft, version 1.2, of the Part IX Drug Tariff (Med Tech in the community) wave one categorisation was developed in collaboration with an Expert Reference Group and updated in line with stakeholder feedback over four iterations. The final version was published in October 2025, and can be found on the NHS Business Services Authority Website at the following link:

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/manufacturers-and-suppliers/drug-tariff-part-ix-information

The Department is currently recruiting Independent Assessment Panels (IAPs) for wave one and has agreed to ask them to review late feedback received from a company on the eye drops category. This is due to take place in February 2026.

This will not require further input from industry as it has already been circulated for comment by them. The Department has offered to review Drug Tariff Committee feedback regarding the categorisation of medical devices that fall into waves two to four.

The categorisation for waves two and three is currently being reviewed, and the Department expects to share the updated versions in early 2026, well in advance of the projected launch of waves two and three in 2027 and 2028 respectively. There are no confirmed plans for reviewing wave four at this time. The earliest launch would be in January 2029. All dates are subject to the outcome of the review of wave one.

The Department recognises that the categorisation is not stagnant and may need further amendments as medical devices continue to evolve. Companies can suggest further amendments when they apply to Part IX of the Drug Tariff or through the Drug Tariff Committee.