Table: Summary of Key 2024 Figures

(Total market size = (total local production + imports) - exports) 
Data Source: SNITEM “Panorama de la Filière Industrielle des Dispositifs Médicaux en France” 
(Figures in USD millions; * indicates unofficial estimates. Year to year figures adjusted for varying exchange rate.)

Overview

The health and life-sciences sector in France encompasses many thriving subsectors: medical devices, digital healthcare/AI, and biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. These sectors present an attractive opportunity for U.S. investors and exporters. In France, the medical devices market alone is estimated at approximately $41.6 billion in turnover for 2024. The market turnover for medical devices exported from France is estimated at $10.3 billion, which is 25% of the total market. The market is expected to see an annual growth of about 3% for the next several years. France is also poised for a huge expansion in the digital healthcare market that is projected to grow from $13.5 billion in 2024 to $113.6 billion by 2035 with a CAGR of 21.3%. In biotechnologies and pharmaceuticals, France is serving as a strong player within the European market and continuing to make strategic investments to bolster production capacity.  

France is home to one of Europe’s most advanced healthcare ecosystems, combining a universal coverage system with high-quality medical infrastructure. In 2024, total healthcare expenditures are estimated at approximately $360 billion, representing over 11% of GDP (DREES). The system benefits from a dense network of hospitals, university medical centers, and pharmacies, providing broad patient access. France’s aging population, with over 20% above 65, along with rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative disorders, drives steady demand for innovative medical technologies, pharmaceuticals, and digital health solutions. Additionally, public initiatives such as France 2030, which allocates more than $7.5 billion to healthcare innovation and domestic manufacturing, create opportunities for foreign companies to partner with local startups, laboratories, and medical institutions. 

For U.S. companies, France presents a uniquely attractive combination of opportunities: a modern healthcare infrastructure, a large and affluent market of billions of dollars, a strong regulatory foundation aligned with the EU, and a government eager to foster innovation in medical devices, digital health, and biotechnology. That said, success requires navigating French regulations, reimbursement and procurement systems, and aligning to local market preferences.

Best practices

 U.S. companies should either work through a local agent, distributor, or establish a subsidiary in France for export operations. In the medical device subsector, traditional distribution channels remain crucial, while in digital health, partnering with an experienced agent or network integrator is often essential. Across both devices and digital health solutions, demonstrating clear health-economic value is critical to success in the French market. For small and medium-sized companies, beginning with a trusted agent or distributor is generally advisable, as it provides insight into potential market share and customer dynamics. 

Companies should also account for the regulatory and reimbursement timelines specific to both the EU and France, since developing strong local relationships can significantly ease access and mitigate pricing delays. In France, regulatory approval and reimbursement for medical or digital health technologies typically take 9 to 18 months in total, with regulatory clearance requiring several months to two years depending on risk class, and reimbursement decisions adding another 3 to 6 months on average. The more details about the resources for the clearances and reimbursement are provided on this page below “Approval and Testing.” By leveraging a capable local partner, U.S. exporters can better navigate these complexities and enter the market more efficiently. Moreover, establishing a successful presence in France can serve as a gateway to other European markets, given the similarities in regulatory environments.    

Leading Sub-sectors

Medical Devices (Diagnostics, Rehabilitation, Surgery, Intensive Care)

Medical devices in France include instruments for diagnostics, imaging, surgical procedures, and home-care applications. The sector benefits from a mature healthcare infrastructure, favorable reimbursement policies, and the country’s aging population, which drives demand for orthopedic implants, cardiovascular devices, and assistive technologies. Market growth is projected to increase from $25.15 billion in 2025 to $36.94 billion by 2032, representing a CAGR of 5.6% (Fortune Business Insights). Best prospects: Surgical robotics, AI-assisted imaging devices, connected home-care products, orthopedic implants, and single-use hospital instruments. U.S. companies may also consider partnerships with French SMEs and distributors to leverage local regulatory and reimbursement expertise.

The diagnostic sub-sector represents approximately 34% of the total medical device market in France.  State-of-the-art diagnostic medical imaging systems are in high demand. Uses for diagnostic technology already exist for pediatrics, cardiovascular care, digestion, urology, and spinal/neurological treatment. As these devices use trusted and versatile technology, demand for diagnostic equipment will continue to grow. Health care professionals are very interested in a feature of medical imagery equipment known as “image networking”. Image networking allows a healthcare professional to compare an image of a current patient to hundreds of previous cases using an image data bank.  

The rehabilitation sub-sector represents approximately 25% of the total medical device market in France. It includes all types of devices designed to help those recovering from illness or treatment. Like many European markets, France has a growing elderly population with a greater need for rehabilitation products. A large portion of this sub-sector is made up of disposable medical equipment such as incontinence products, wound care products, and items designed to prevent bed sores.  

The surgical instrument and supplies sub-sector represent approximately 18% of the total medical device market in France. Recent innovations in the field of non-invasive surgery could potentially have a significant impact on everyday hospital practice, since non-invasive surgery devices often offer superior results and reduce risk to patients.  

Intensive care equipment like respiratory monitors, pumps, and incubators represents about 9% of the medical device market. Demand from both public and private hospitals for cutting-edge intensive care equipment and supplies is increasing. U.S. suppliers of this type of equipment should benefit from the increased demand.  

Digital Healthcare Market

France’s HealthTech sector is primarily driven by startups, blending medtech innovation with digital health solutions. In 2024, revenues reached $1.84 billion, while R&D investment amounted to $1.51 billion (EY / France Biotech). Fundraising totaled $2.8 billion, representing a 47% increase over 2023, reflecting investor confidence in digital therapeutics, telemedicine, AI-assisted diagnostics, and software-as-medical-device (SaMD) solutions. Most HealthTech revenue comes from early-stage startups, highlighting the sector’s innovation-driven and high-risk profile. France hosts key clusters in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, where incubators, accelerators, and hospital partnerships accelerate commercialization. Best prospects: Remote patient monitoring, AI-driven diagnostics, digital therapeutics platforms, personalized health apps, and partnerships with hospitals or pharmaceutical companies for pilot programs. Startups provide the most dynamic opportunities for foreign collaboration, particularly for U.S. firms seeking co-development or technology.  

Biotechnology market

France’s biotechnology industry includes approximately 864 companies employing 25,000 professionals. In 2024, total revenue reached $1.1 billion, with R&D investments exceeding $900 million (EY / France Biotech). Fundraising totaled $1.7 billion, a 39% increase from 2023, indicating strong investor confidence. Most biotech companies are early-stage startups, relying heavily on venture capital, public funding, and partnerships with pharmaceutical firms. Key clusters such as Genopole (Evry), Lyon Biopôle, Eurobiomed (Marseille), and Atlanpole Biothérapies (Nantes) foster innovation in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, and rare disorders. AI and bioinformatics play an increasingly important role in accelerating drug discovery and development. Best prospects: R&D collaboration, clinical trials, contract biomanufacturing, AI-assisted drug design, and strategic partnerships with early-stage biotech firms. U.S. companies may also explore co-investment in French biotech startups through joint ventures or equity stakes.  

Pharmaceuticals market

France’s pharmaceutical industry is one of the largest in Europe and plays a central role in global drug development and manufacturing. In 2024, the sector generated $73 billion in revenues and employed around 100,000 professionals (LEEM). Exports totaled $41 billion, highlighting the country’s strong international presence. The sector combines large domestic players such as Sanofi, Servier, and Ipsen with subsidiaries of multinational U.S. companies including Pfizer, Merck & Co., and Bristol Myers Squibb. Government incentives such as the Crédit d’Impôt Recherche (CIR) and the Jeune Enterprise Innovante (JEI) program encourage R&D, supporting innovation in biologics, vaccines, and rare-disease therapeutics. Pricing and reimbursement are governed by CEPS, which negotiates official drug prices with manufacturers based on clinical benefit, budget impact, and international reference pricing. Best prospects: Biologics, mRNA vaccines, cell and gene therapies, AI-assisted drug discovery, and collaborative clinical trials. For U.S. companies, opportunities exist in co-development partnerships, manufacturing collaborations, and licensing arrangements with French firms.

Regulatory & Reimbursement Framework 

Market access and reimbursement in France are structured to ensure clinical value and cost-effectiveness. For pharmaceuticals, the Comité Économique des Produits de Santé (CEPS) negotiates prices and reimbursement conditions based on clinical benefit, budget impact, and international comparison. For medical devices, inclusion on the Liste des Produits et Prestations Remboursables (LPPR) is required to qualify for reimbursement. The LPPR is maintained by the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) and establishes which devices are reimbursable and at what level, generally covering 60–100% of the device cost. Devices not listed on the LPPR rely on out-of-pocket payments or private insurance, which significantly limits adoption. Navigating CEPS and LPPR, which can take 12–24 months, is essential for U.S. companies, and local regulatory representation is strongly recommended. Programs such as France 2030 also support innovation, co-development, and domestic manufacturing, facilitating entry for foreign firms.

Opportunities & Market Challenges 

Implementing controls on healthcare spending remains a key objective of the French government, which operates a single-payer universal healthcare system. Decreased spending has led to a decline in the demand for traditional hospital-care equipment. These measures have shifted demand toward innovative technologies that improve efficiency, reduce hospital stays, and support outpatient or home-based care. U.S. companies offering advanced, minimally invasive, or connected medical devices are well positioned to meet this growing need. In addition, France’s rapidly expanding digital healthcare sector presents strong prospects for U.S. suppliers of health IT, telemedicine, and artificial intelligence solutions. The French government has continued investment in e-health infrastructure—such as the nationwide deployment of the Carte Vitale system for electronic reimbursement, the expansion of electronic medical records and new digital health data platforms—which have created significant opportunities for cybersecurity and AI-driven diagnostics. Demand is especially high for technologies that enhance efficiency, improve patient outcomes, and ensure data protection under EU and French privacy standards. 

France’s biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector is going under a strategic change and transformation aimed at strengthening innovation capacity and strengthening domestic production. With a 60% increase in capacity over six years, France is becoming an attractive environment for partnerships in biologics, vaccines, and advanced therapies. U.S. firms with expertise in research, contract manufacturing and rare disease therapeutics will find strong potential to collaborate with France’s growing biotech ecosystem. France presents a stable, innovation-driven healthcare market with strong opportunities for collaboration and growth. Investors and companies can partner with startups in HealthTech and biotechnology for co-development, clinical trials, or licensing, while also advancing AI-driven diagnostics, digital therapeutics, telemedicine, and remote monitoring solutions. The France 2030 initiative further opens doors to biomanufacturing projects, particularly in biologics, vaccines, and cell and gene therapies. Additionally, contract manufacturing and industrial partnerships in medical devices benefit from well-established local distribution networks. However, entrants must navigate challenges such as CEPS pricing negotiations and the process of securing LPPR listing, adhere to European MDR/IVDR regulations and French-language documentation standards, and compete with experienced domestic and European firms that possess deep regulatory expertise.

Approval and Testing  

• G-MED (Groupement pour l’évaluation des dispositifs médicaux) 
• National agency for the evaluation of medical equipment  
• Trade Association:  Syndicat National de l’Industrie des Technologies Médicales - S.N.I.T.E.M. 
• Medical equipment trade association 
• National Authority for Health: HAS (Haute Authorité de Santé) 
• National agency for the evaluation of medical equipment and medical practices  
• Safety Agency: ANSM (Agence Nationale de Sécurité du Médicament et des Produits de Santé) 
• National agency for the safety of pharmaceuticals and health products 
• Pricing Committee:  CEPS (Comité Economique des Produits de Santé) 
• Pricing committee for pharmaceuticals and medical devices   
• Public Hospitals:  FHF (Fédération Hospitalière de France) 
• Public Hospitals Federation  
• Private Hospitals:  FHP (Fédération de l’Hospitalisation Privée) 
• Private Hospitals Federation

Contact:  U.S. Embassy France - U.S. Commercial Service Trade Specialist:
Nawel.Omrani@trade.gov -  Tel: +33(0) 1 43 12 70 14