Broader 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).

The definite impact and relevance of the change on medical device 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 difficult bureaucracy governing trade, however it is also working to build its reputation as a new medical device 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 device.