China hits back at EU ban with medical devices import restrictions

ANKARA

China on Sunday imposed restrictions on the import of medical devices from the European Union (EU) in retaliation for trade measures imposed by Brussels last month, according to state-run Xinhua News Agency.

The Chinese Finance Ministry said Beijing will take relevant measures against medical devices imported from the EU through government procurement projects in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

For non-EU companies involved in government procurement projects, the value of EU-imported medical devices they supply must not exceed 50% of the total contract amount, according to the new restrictions.

The latest development comes after the EU last month barred Chinese companies from participating in public tenders for medical devices.

On Friday, China also announced imposing anti-dumping duties and price undertakings on import-related brandies from the EU for the next five years, beginning Saturday.

According to the Chinese Finance Ministry, the new rules will come into effect on July 6; however, the latest restrictions will not apply to those government procurement contracts that already won bids before July 6.

The ministry said that Beijing repeatedly expressed willingness to resolve issues with the EU through talks and consultation, but "regrettably," despite China's goodwill and sincerity, the EU has insisted on taking restrictive measures to build new protectionist barriers.

"Therefore, China has no choice but to take reciprocal restrictive measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and maintain a fair competition environment," it said.