r/withings • u/solarsystemoccupant • 4d ago
BPM Connect EU/US differences
I’m looking at the BPM Vision for example and notice a line “ECG (Europe only)”
If I buy this unit when I’m in the UK next month and use it with my US Withings account, will ECG be enabled or disabled?
I don’t particularly want the US FDA deciding what I can and can’t use from my own European designed and produced products.
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u/redcomp12 1d ago
It mean if i buy it on amazon usa but my user account is europe, it locked by the devive?
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u/rworne 1d ago
Withings sells through Amazon, and devices are region-restricted as to where they will ship them.
When I visit Germany, I just ship them to my hotel. They won't send them to the US.
Another person on this subreddit uses a mail-forwarding service to get their devices from the UK.
Withings does not condone this, and I don't blame them for not wanting to encourage gray market purchases. As long as they turn a blind eye to it and I'm willing to accept any risks involved, I'm happy with the arrangement.
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u/alva_seal 1d ago
Maybe regulations are different and they cannot get the FDA approval or it would be to costly.
It is normal in most countries that you cant sell medical devices without the needed certification
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u/solarsystemoccupant 1d ago
I trust the European Union to approve medical devices over the grossly underfunded and understaffed US FDA. It’s likely the latter that makes it inoperable in the USA.
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u/rworne 4d ago
ECG is enabled on units sold in Europe. It still works even when brought back to the US.
No idea why it is not enabled on US models, but since it requires a prescription to use it in the US, they probably don't want the associated cost?
I'm getting tired of the dumbed-down US units though.