The Netherlands
The Dutch Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) has approved the indexation of the maximum hospitality limits applicable to educational events and manifestations. Following consultations between the GMH, the CGR and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, the maximum amounts have been increased by 44% to reflect cost increases since the amounts were last updated in 2012. The new limits apply from 1 October 2026. The revised policy also provides for automatic indexation of the amounts every five years.
Under both the GMH Code and the CGR Code, companies may, under certain conditions, sponsor the participation of healthcare professionals in congresses, training courses and other educational events. However, only reasonable travel, accommodation and registration costs may be reimbursed, subject to maximum limits.
Updated hospitality limits under the GMH Code (Medical Devices) are:
| Category | Per HCP max. per event | Per HCP max. per year |
| Meetings organized by independent third parties (Art. 9) | €720 | €2.160 |
| Product-related meetings organized by suppliers (Art. 10) | €720 | €2.160 |
| Accredited events organized by suppliers (Art. 11) | €720 | €2.160 |
| Other meetings organized by suppliers (Art. 12) | €108 | €540 |
Updated hospitality limits under the CGR Code (Medicinal Products) are:
| Category | Per HCP max. per event | Per HCP max. per year |
| Scientific meetings | €720 | €2.160 |
| Manifestations | €108 | €540 |
The previous CGR limits were €500 per event and €1,500 per year for scientific meetings, and €75 per event and €375 per year for manifestations.
Companies sponsoring or organising healthcare professional meetings should review their budgets, sponsorship arrangements and internal procedures to ensure compliance with the updated limits from 1 October 2026 onwards.
Source: Indexering maximale vergoeding aan bijeenkomsten – GMH and Nr. 12 – Indexatie gastvrijheidskosten – CGR