China-EU Photo: VCG

China's Ministry of Finance (MOF) and Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) released statements on Sunday on restrictive measures concerning medical device imports from the EU in government procurement. This came after the EU introduced measures that restrict Chinese companies and products from participating in its public procurement of medical devices in June. 

According to a notice released by the MOF on Sunday, the ministry has decided to adopt relevant measures concerning certain medical device imports from the EU in government procurement, with immediate effect. 

Specifically, for procurement projects where the purchaser's budget for medical devices exceeds 45 million yuan ($6.28 million), if the procurement of imported products is indeed necessary and the statutory procedures have been fulfilled, EU enterprises (excluding EU-invested enterprises operating in China) shall be excluded from participation, said the MOF's notice.

For non-EU enterprises participating in such procurement, the proportion of medical devices imported from the EU must not exceed 50 percent of the total contract amount, and these measures do not apply to procurement projects where only EU-imported medical devices can meet the procurement requirements, the notice said.

For procurement projects involving the corresponding measures where the winning bids or transaction results were announced prior to the implementation date of this notice, the government procurement contract may still be signed, and the measures set out in this notice shall not apply, according to the MOF's notice.

Also on Sunday, in responding to a media request for comment that the EC recently introduced measures restricting Chinese companies and products from participating in its public procurement of medical devices, which was followed by Sunday's notice by the Chinese side deciding to adopt corresponding measures on certain medical device imports from the EU in its government procurement, a MOFCOM spokesperson said that on June 20, 2025, the European Commission introduced measures that restrict Chinese companies and products from participating in its public procurement of medical devices, continuing to impose barriers against Chinese enterprises in the field of public procurement. 

China has repeatedly expressed through bilateral dialogues its willingness to properly resolve differences through consultation, including bilateral government procurement arrangements, said the MOFCOM spokesperson.

Regrettably, the EU has ignored China's goodwill and sincerity, and has insisted on imposing restrictive measures and building new protectionist barriers. Therefore, China had no choice but to adopt reciprocal restrictive measures, said the MOFCOM, noting that these measures are aimed at safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and maintaining a fair competitive environment.

The measures only apply to medical device products imported from the EU and do not affect products manufactured in China by EU-invested enterprises, the MOFCOM spokesperson added.

"The measure we have taken this time is a reciprocal response to relevant actions by the EU. It is hoped that it will encourage the EU to foster a fair and reasonable environment for Chinese enterprises and products," Zhou Mi, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, told the Global Times on Sunday.

Zhou further explained that the move was not an attempt to restrict EU companies, but rather a reminder to the EU side not to impose discriminatory restrictions based on subjective assessments. Such actions, he noted, can only have a significant impact on businesses.

"In fact, the measure China has taken differs from the EU's approach. The EU's action excluded Chinese companies outright, whereas we have not excluded EU enterprises operating in China from supplying the relevant products. We continue to adhere to relevant Chinese regulations and aim to ensure fair treatment for products that are manufactured and supplied within China, which is fully in line with our legal framework," Zhou said, noting that some medical devices from the EU are still being imported and are products China genuinely needs.

"Ultimately, we hope that China and the EU can work together based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit, helping businesses expand their market presence and bringing greater benefits to people on both sides," the Chinese expert said.

Global Times