EU Initiates First-Ever Procurement Probe into China's Medical Devices Sector

The European Commission will investigate barriers to market access for EU firms, marking the first use of its International Procurement Instrument.

The European Commission is set to launch an investigation into the procurement practices of China's medical devices sector, focusing on market access barriers for EU firms.
This probe marks the first application of the EU's International Procurement Instrument, adopted in 2022 to address closed procurement markets.
Recent high-level discussions between EU and Chinese officials have highlighted frustrations over restricted access for European companies.
The investigation could lead to penalties for Chinese firms, including downgraded tender applications or exclusion from EU markets.
The probe is part of a broader EU strategy to address trade imbalances and assertive practices by China, including other investigations into subsidies and market distortions.