2019 Refurbished medical devices market in North and Latin Americas

Market Synopsis - Latin Americas

An overview of current Latin American markets and regulations for refurbished product importation:

Argentina. Refurbished products (produced in country of origin or in Argentina) require technical assessment certificate approved by Argentine Embassy or Argentine Consulate in export country, or certificate from original manufacturer

According to US Department of Commerce’s Export.gov, until 1994, Argentina prohibited the importation of used or refurbished medical equipment. Restrictions on imports of used medical equipment are established by Resolution 909/94, Annex II and III of Resolution 748/95, and by Resolution 235/99. 

This legislation stipulates the following:

1) Refurbished goods must be accompanied by a certificate issued by the originalmanufacturer, or by a technical assessment certificate, authenticated by the Commercial Section of the Argentine Embassy or local Consulate.
2) Refurbishment may be done in Argentina by the importer, provided he is the end user. These goods may not be resold.
3) The foreign vendor must ensure the availability of after-sales service and spare parts, provide user’s manuals, and have an agent based in Argentina to implement servicing required.
4) Used equipment may not be older than ten years.

Taxation and Duties
Because Argentina belongs to the Latin America trade bloc, Mercosur, all imported medical devices are taxed according to the Mercosur Common External Tariff (AEC). This tariff designates the tax rate, which may range from 0% to 16%. In the case of importing refurbished medical devices, the tax rate ranges from 0% to 24%. When a product is purchased, there is a value-added tax (VAT) equal to 10.5% for new medical devices and 21% for all used or refurbished devices. VAT values are dependent on Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value.

Brazil. Refurbishment allowed domestically only

Export.gov highlights that Brazilian regulations are strict in relation to pre-owned medical products. Products must be refurbished by OEM, using original spare parts and having the same performance and guarantee as new equipment. Resellers of used equipment have very limited market access in Brazil. 

Chile. Little restrictions

According to IAMERS, importation of used/refurbished medical equipment is allowed, however, market potential is limited and maintenance and technical service may be an issue.

Colombia. Various requirements, stringent regulations

Ecuador. Warranty obligated, and only allowed for private sector procurement

Importation is only allowed in private clinics and hospitals, estimated to occupy 30% of the market. Any used equipment must be refurbished and have at least a one year warranty, according to IAMERS.

Guatemala. No restrictions. FDA or CE certifications preferred

Mexico. End-users can import without restrictions. Resalers are restricted

According to IAMERS, Mexico has a strong market for refurbished medical equipment when it is accompanied by a warranty and technical support.

Peru. Limited imports allowed, only by physicians for their own use

IAMERS highlights that no importation of used and refurbished medical equipment is allowed. Only physicians requiring equipment for their own use will be permitted to import one type of equipment per year. 

Uruguay. Registration required with a local company and approval by MoH. Technical documentation of refurbishment required

IAMERS confirms that imports of refurbished medical equipment are authorised in Uruguay. All medical equipment, new, refurbished and/or recycled need to be registered by a local company and approved by the Ministry of Public Health prior to importation. Refurbished equipment needs to have a Technical/Refurbishing Protocol (full contact information of the company which refurbished the equipment must be provided). 

Venezuela. Only allowed in private sector

According to the IAMERS, importation is allowed, but Government organisations, who are one of the major buyers, are not allowed to purchase them.

What FIME 2019 exhibitors say

What are the major factors driving growth in the refurbished medical equipment market in LatAm and North America?

“As a seller of capital equipment, we provide refurbished radiation oncology and diagnostic imaging equipment throughout the Americas.  Cost of equipment is the key factor driving the growth of refurbished equipment in both North and South America."  - John V. Vano, President, Radio Oncology Systems

“For Soma Technology, one of the biggest drivers driving growth in the refurbished medical market place is the large consolidation among the IDNs and the excessive cost of the new devices being brought to the market by the large OEM. For Soma, when you buy from a large reputable source that is ISO 13485:2016 certified you get the best of both worlds. You get the latest refurbished equipment with the same parts and labour warranty and aftermarket support at a fraction of the cost."- Peter Leonidas, President & CEO, Soma Technology, Inc.

"The top two factors driving growth in the refurbished medical equipment are heightened awareness and consumer confidence. Internet marketing, social media, and word-of-mouth referrals combine to drive awareness of the many benefits of refurbished equipment."- Kary L. VanArsdale, Ed.D., Director of International Sales, Avante Health Solutions