China eases restrictions on exports of some coronavirus equipment
26 April, 2020
China is dropping a requirement a number of key virus maintenance systems get domestic regulatory approval before export, so long as they are approved in the importing countries, the commerce ministry said on Saturday (Apr 25).
China have been stipulating such extra approval at home because the end of March after several European countries complained that Chinese-made test kits were inaccurate, in effect hampering many firms' efforts to provide global efforts against the coronavirus pandemic.
The new ruling pertains to products such as coronavirus tests, medical masks, protective suits, infrared thermometers and ventilators.
"Tonight's new rule is a revision to (the older rule)," said Zhang Shuwen, the CEO of Liming Bio-products, a biotech firm offering coronavirus tests targeting the overseas market. "It's wrong to get a one-size-fits-all policy..."
"Each country may have different standards for medicines and medical devices. The priority is to meet the necessity in the countries where in fact the product will be sold, rather than where the product is manufactured," Zhang said.
The prior ban vexed medical device organizations in the cities of Hangzhou and Shenzhen, who tried to seek help from local governments, Zhang added.
Many countries all over the world have been scrambling to get or make enough personal protective equipment for medical staff and care staff vulnerable to infection, and in addition tests to trace contagion and identify persons who can leave quarantine.
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