China’s Ministry of Finance has rolled out new rules that reshape how imported medical devices from the European Union can be bought through government procurement projects. This move comes after the European Commission introduced its own restrictions on Chinese medical products in June 2025, sparking a round of reciprocal measures.
Key Measures
- Budget threshold: Purchases above 45 million yuan (about $6.29 million) trigger exclusions.
- EU enterprises: Companies based in the EU are barred from participating, except EU-funded firms in the Chinese mainland.
- Value cap: EU devices supplied by eligible EU-funded firms must not exceed 50 percent of the total contract value.
- State-owned enterprises: Procurement by state-owned enterprises is not covered by these restrictions.
Reciprocal Response
A spokesperson for China’s commerce ministry noted that on June 20, 2025, the European Commission moved to block Chinese firms from EU public procurement of medical devices. “China had repeatedly sought to resolve differences through dialogue and bilateral arrangements, but the EU insisted on protectionist barriers,” the spokesperson said. “We must now take reciprocal measures to safeguard the rights of Chinese enterprises and ensure fair competition.”
Implications for Business
Entrepreneurs, med-tech startups, and global supply chain managers should watch how this policy influences sourcing decisions. With the 45 million yuan threshold and 50 percent cap, alternative suppliers in other regions may gain ground in large-scale hospital and public health tenders.
Looking Ahead
As both sides signal openness to future talks, the global medical technology community awaits further developments. Procurement teams and international investors will need to adapt strategies to navigate these emerging trade barriers.
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Reference(s):
China details curbs on EU medical device imports in govt procurement
cgtn.com
