Hard line ofEuropean Union against China's discriminatory trade practices. The Chinese companies they will no longer be able to participate in European public procurement for the fsupply of medical devices worth more than 5 million euros. And not only that. Even theuse of components from China will be limited, with a maximum ceiling of 50% of the total value of the offer.
The measure, announced by Brussels, comes at the end of the first investigation turning point in the context of the International Procurement Tool (International Procurement Instrument – Ipi), designed to protect European companies from forms of unfair competition in foreign markets.
EU responds to Chinese closure: “Proportionate measure”
According to the Community executive, this response is “proportionate to the obstacles posed by China“, but at the same time designed not to compromise the EU's access to essential medical devices. In fact, they will be exceptions expected only in cases where no alternative suppliers are available within the European or international market.
The Commission stressed that the initiative is fully aligned with the Union's international obligations, also within the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO), specifying that the EU has no legal constraints on procurement with China.
With an estimated global value of over 11.000 billion euros annually, public procurement sector represents a major source of business for European companies. The EU, which has always promoted free trade, hosts one of the most open public procurement markets in the world.
But this openness has not been reciprocated so far. According to a report by the Commission published in 2025, well 87% of China's government procurement of medical devices has been subject to legal barriers and discriminatory practices towards European companies and products.
EU vs China: Dialogue is lacking
The investigation by the International Procurement Instrument, which led to the restrictive measure, was launched on 24 April 2024. For months, Brussels hasI wanted to start a constructive discussion with the Chinese authorities, proposing balanced solutions and reciprocity of access between the two markets. But Beijing has never responded. No concrete commitments have come from China, nor has it removed the discriminatory restrictions.
“Our intention with these measures is to restore fair conditions for European companies", he has declared Maroš Šefčovič, Commissioner for Economic Security and Interinstitutional Relations. “We remain engaged in dialogue with China to address these issues.”
The Ipi It is not born to close the European market, but for build credible negotiating leverageThe regulation provides that the restrictive measures may be suspended or revoked in the event that China adopts "concrete, verifiable and satisfactory solutions" capable of effectively addressing the critical issues raised. The Commission reiterated that remains open to discussion, ready to intensify diplomatic contacts with Beijing. But, until there are concrete signs of change, the restrictions will remain in place.
Unbalanced access: Europe opens, China closes
In recent years, the gap between the two markets it's always been done more evident. Between 2015 and 2023, Chinese exports of medical devices to the European Union are more than doubled, a sign of a broad and constant access to the European market by Beijing companies. On the contrary, the European companies they clashed with regulatory and administrative obstacles which have effectively excluded them from the Chinese market.
With this decision, Brussels intends reaffirm that free trade remains a pillar of the Union, but must be based on fair conditions and real reciprocity.
