Global Import Regulations for

Ghana

General Market Condition: No Restrictions, but Government Health Institutions Are Discouraged from Purchasing

Source: Report from CS Post (via Cable), 2 March 2002

There have been no changes over the past year in import regulations for used medical equipment in Ghana.

Ghana does not have explicit import restrictions or tariffs that apply specifically to used or refurbished medical equipment or used equipment in general. As a matter of policy, government health institutions are discouraged from purchasing this equipment. Apart from assessment of value, customs officials treat all imported equipment in the same way as new equipment.

Used basic medical equipment such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, trollies and furniture, and items that are not high technology are more often purchased by the private sector. Government institutions tend to purchase items that have a higher technology component. Institutions can also accept used or refurbished medical equipment as gifts from donors. One disadvantage of acquiring used or refurbished medical equipment cited by officials is the frequent absence of operation manuals, appropriate training, and spare parts.

The market for used or refurbished medical equipment in both public and private medical institutions is generally limited. Private health institutions, which are increasing in number, present the greatest potential for growth in that market. Because of the lack of local financing resources, interested u.s. firms that can offer some financing in addition to warranty, spare parts, and training to support the equipment can best take advantage of this opportunity.

The major types of used or refurbished medical equipment in greatest demand include scanners, hospital beds, wheel chairs and furniture, ultra sound, sterilizers, X-ray equipment, and laboratory equipment, such as autoclaves.

Greece

General Market Condition: No Restrictions, but CE Mark is Required

See also entry for the European Union.

Source: Report from CS Post (via Cable), 2 March 2002

In general, Greece does not apply any restrictions on imports of used equipment and machinery, provided it has the CE mark and complies with European Union safety and operations regulations. More specifically, regulations for used medical equipment are governed by EU regulations: 90/385 EEC, 93/42 EEC, 98/79 EC. No special restrictions or tariffs apply to used medical equipment that does not apply to new medical devices.

Despite the absence of restrictions on the purchase of used medical equipment, there does not appear to be much demand for such equipment in the Greek market.

However, some private health institutions, medical laboratories, and small to medium-sized clinics are purchasing used or refurbished dental equipment, scanning devices, ultra-sound and analytical equipment. Such purchases appear infrequent and isolated.

Guatemala

General Market Condition: No Restrictions

Source: ISA Medical, 1 September 1997

Approximately 20 percent of medical equipment imported into Guatemala is used or reconditioned equipment. This equipment consists of, but is not limited to, portable X-ray machines, ultrasound equipment, anesthesia equipment, operating tables, and surgical equipment. About 90 percent is bought directly in the United States by physicians opening small hospitals. Clinics and small health care facilities known as ‘sanatorios’ usually purchase their equipment from large Guatemalan hospitals or from a small group of firms that refurbish the equipment and offer some sort of short-term guarantee. Sanatorios are usually very small hospitals established by one doctor or a small group of doctors who often do not have the financial resources to purchase new equipment. One distributor expressed interest in representing a well-established U.S. company that offers used medical equipment so that local consumers can have guarantees and after sales service. The potential for used medical equipment with local representation is very good.

Private hospitals are divided into the following categories:

• 
  Relatively expensive, well established hospitals offering modern equipment, nice installations, and specialized medical staff;
  
• 
  Sanatorios, which are small, privately owned hospitals that do not offer the latest installations, equipment, or medical staff, but do offer more accessible rates; and
  
• 
  Day hospitals where patients stay for only a few hours after a surgical or other procedure. Many of the large hospitals now have a day hospital.
  

Private entities buy significant quantities of disposable medical products but their needs are much lower than those of the public sector. The larger hospitals have more resources and are able to purchase modern equipment from local distributors. Sanatorios and the like usually purchase used medical equipment.

Most firms selling into the Guatemalan market do so by means of a Guatemalan agent or distributor. However, used equipment dealers tend to sell directly to Guatemalan buyers. Generally speaking, the more pre-sales marketing and after-sales support and service that a product requires, the more important it is to have a local agent or distributor.

Guinea

General Market Condition: No Restrictions, but Public Institutions Do Not Buy

Source: Report from CS Post (via Cable), 5 May 2000

Are there special restrictions or tariffs that apply to used equipment that do not apply to new medical equipment?

In Guinea, there are no special restrictions or tariffs that apply to used equipment that do not apply to new medical equipment. The importation of used medical equipment is authorized by the Government of Guinea (GOG).

Can public health institutions buy used or refurbished medical devices?

Public health institutions do not buy used or refurbished medical devices. The GOG provides these health institutions with new medical equipment. It is GOG policy not to buy used equipment.

Is there a market for used or refurbished devices?

The market for used or refurbished devices is very small. Private clinics or hospitals are free to purchase used or refurbished equipment but most of them have very limited resources.

Best Prospects?

Private clinics or hospitals are the best prospects since public health institutions depend on the Government for medical devices.