[Updated 5/27/09]
The Chinese government has significantly revised its controversial regulations governing the importation of used equipment, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce -- the term used medical equipment, however, was not specifically stated in the April 10th announcement.

The previous rules had imposed a range of restrictions, including pre-shipment inspection, that were strictly enforced in some circumstances. The new, more liberal rules were announced by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), the Customs General Administration (Customs) and the State Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) and will apply to the importation of used equipment for purposes of manufacturing, research and development or exhibition.


Specifically, the new rules include the following:
-If the used equipment is only subject to the Import Automatic Recordation Regulation and not pre-shipment inspection, the importer may apply for an Import Automatic Recordation permit directly from MOFCOM's local Electronic and Machinery Importation offices without going through the AQSIQ process and this permit process must be completed within 5 days.
-If the used equipment is subject to the Import Licensing Regulation and is less than five years old MOFCOM's local Electronic and Machinery Importation offices must complete the review and approval process within 10 days.
-AQSIQ may waive the pre-shipment process for used equipment that it believes has reduced safety, environmental and sanitary risks based upon its review of the documentation.
-Pre-shipment inspection must be completed as quickly as possible if that process has to be conducted by a certified inspection service.
-Customs must provide the most convenient customs processes for used equipment importers if they are Class A and Class AA importers of record certified under Customs' Enterprise Classification Program.

The specific impact and relevance of the change on medical equipment is not clear, according the Department of Commerce, which is working to ascertain the connection to health care and medical research.

The People's Republic is known for its complex bureaucracy governing trade, however it is also working to build its reputation as a new medical equipment exporter. It is possible that broader trade allowances overall will encourage the flow of products both ways. Regarding health care per se, China's vast rural populations represent an unmet need for services that will require affordable options such as used medical equipment.

DOTmed is following the story closely and will keep readers current online. Watch this space (https://www.dotmed.com/news/story/9127).

Meanwhile, read a DOTmed exclusive report on market conditions for OEMs doing business in China at www.dotmed.com/news/story/9125.

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