Rising Indirect Imports from China Alarm Indian Medical Device Makers

India’s domestic medical device manufacturers have raised concerns over a surge in indirect imports of Chinese-origin products routed through countries like Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore. These rising imports, coupled with falling export growth, have prompted the Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD) to seek urgent intervention from Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. 

Indirect Import Routes Bypassing Restrictions 

In a letter to the minister, AiMeD noted that imports from Hong Kong (28%), Malaysia (24%), and Singapore (13%) increased sharply between April 2024 and January 2025. These countries are believed to be transshipment hubs for Chinese-made medical devices, helping manufacturers circumvent regulatory restrictions imposed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). 

Pressure on Prices and Exports 

AiMeD Forum Coordinator Rajiv Nath highlighted that China’s excess production capacity is not only affecting Indian manufacturers but also global prices, particularly in regions like Africa and the Middle East. Due to trade restrictions by the US, Chinese devices are being dumped at lower prices in global markets, creating pressure for Indian exporters. 

Export growth in the April 2024–January 2025 period stood at only 6%, compared to 12% in FY24. Meanwhile, imports in 11 major product categories—including syringes, oxygen therapy devices, orthopedic tools, and dental cement—have surged over 15%. 

Call for Tariff Reforms 

To safeguard the domestic industry, AiMeD has urged the removal of zero and 5% concessional import duties on medical devices. Instead, it recommends imposing a minimum import duty of 7.5% across all medical equipment to discourage over-reliance on foreign goods.

Conclusion 

With India currently importing over 70% of its medical devices, the industry fears the “Make in India” initiative may be derailed without stronger protection. The government’s recent ban on refurbished medical device imports is a step forward, but industry leaders stress the need for broader tariff and policy measures to secure India’s healthcare manufacturing base.

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