The European Commission will temporarily waive tariffs on medical equipment | Pool photo by Martin Schutt/AFP via Getty Images EU to suspend tariffs on medical equipment ‘This is our contribution to easing the pressure on prices for medical and protective equipment,’ von der Leyen says.

The European Commission will temporarily waive tariffs on medical equipment in an effort to facilitate imports of needed materials and help EU countries struggling to get supplies of products such as masks, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced in a video message.

"This is our contribution to easing the pressure on prices for medical and protective equipment, and to making them more affordable," von der Leyen said.

When EU countries decide to temporarily waive customs duties on the import of medical devices and protective equipment from third countries, the Commission will "swiftly approve requests," she said.

The measure includes masks and protective gear, as well as testing kits, ventilators and other medical equipment.

The Commission stressed that the measure is temporary. “It will apply for a period of six months, with a possibility for further extension," according to a statement.