Global Import Regulations for

Mozambique

General Market Condition: No Restrictions

Source: Report from CS Post (via Cable), 5 April 2001 (Information confirmed 20 February 2002)

Regarding special restrictions or tariffs applied to used equipment, the Mozambican Customs Authority does not levy any restrictions. Used imported medical equipment is treated as new, and is liable for duties stated in the harmonized tariff in force.

Public health institutions can purchase used or refurbished medical equipment provided that it is in good condition. Maputo has sixteen private clinics and several hospitals that may be interested in used or refurbished d medical equipment at affordable prices.

Source: Report from CS Post (via Cable), 31 March 2000 (Information confirmed 20 February 2002)

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

No, the Mozambican customs office does not apply any restrictions or tariffs to the importation of used medical equipment, although such products are liable to normal duties stated in the harmonized tariff schedule.

Can public health institutions buy used or refurbished medical devices?

Yes, they can purchase used or refurbished medical devices, provided they are in good condition.

Is there a market for used or refurbished devices?

Perhaps, although only at a low volume in a very limited number of institutions. Maputo has sixteen private the clinics that may be interested in used or refurbished medical equipment if offered at affordable prices.

Nepal

General Market Condition: No Restrictions

Source: Report from CS Post (via E-Mail), 16 April 2003

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

The Government of Nepal requires no licensing of medical equipment and imposes no specific restrictions on used medical equipment. Tariff rates for medical equipment, as per the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of Nepal, range from 5 to 10 percent. On top of the tariff, an importer is required to pay 10 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) and 1.5 percent Local Development Tax on the gross value of the equipment (invoice value + tariff).

If a manufacturer or its agent has registered a medical device in the country, can a third party legally import the same device in used/refurbished condition without the used device being subjected to new safety inspections, etc...?

No specific license or registration is required for importing used or new medical equipment. Private nursing home/hospitals importing equipment must attach a copy of their corporate registration certificate for getting foreign currency approval from the Nepal Rastra Bank (Nepal's central bank) and customs clearance of the consignment. Private traders, who deal in such equipment, need to show their general export/import license.

Can public health institutions buy used or refurbished medical devices?

Public health institutions are free to import used and refurbished medical devices to meet their needs. However, none of the public health institutions contacted by the Embassy have done so—the used equipment they receive has been donated.

Is there a market for used or refurbished medical devices?

No market survey is readily available regarding new or used medical equipment. However, the Embassy assesses that there is a potential market for high-value used medical equipment--devices like X-ray machines and ultrasound machines, which are relatively inexpensive, are normally imported brand new.

If there is a market, what types of used or refurbished medical equipment are in the greatest demand?

Products like CT Scan and MRI may have some demand in the Nepalese market.

Government of Nepal Contact

Secretary, Mahendra Nath Aryal
Ministry of Health
His Majesty's Government of Nepal Ram Shah Path
Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Netherlands

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

See also entry for the European Union.

Source: Report from CS Post (via e-mail), 25 April 2003.

Are there special import duties or restrictions on used medical equipment that don't apply to new medical equipment?

No. The Netherlands has no import restrictions specifically applicable to the importation of used equipment. Imports of used equipment are treated in the same way as new products.

If a manufacturer or its agent has registered a medical device in the Netherlands, can a third party legally import the same device in used or refurbished condition without the used device being subject to new safety inspections?

Because sales of used equipment in the Netherlands need to be approved by the original manufacturer, the device should not be subject to new safety inspections. Most used equipment imported into the Netherlands is not sold here but is refurbished and exported to developing countries.

Can Dutch public health institutions buy used or refurbished medical devices?

Yes.

Is there a market for used or refurbished medical devices?

The market for used and refurbished equipment plays a minor role in the Dutch economy. A relatively high standard of living combined with government incentives and tax deductions stimulate the purchase of new as opposed to used equipment. Equipment in the Netherlands is usually replaced long before its technical value has expired. In the respect, the Netherlands exports significant quantities of use equipment itself. Refurbished medical equipment is one area where there is potential for U.S. suppliers. Budget cuts and the necessity to save money on large capital outlays are forcing Dutch hospitals to consider purchasing refurbished equipment. However, there is still resistance to buying used medical equipment within the sector. The Dutch manufacturer Philips Medical System now offers a line of refurbished Philips diagnostic equipment under the name Philips Select.