India Demands Fair Market Access for Medical Devices in EU Deal Talks

India is called upon to make reciprocal concessions from the European Union (EU) in the case of medical devices under the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) underscores that India ought to cut the tariffs on medical devices only if the EU lowers the non-tariff barriers. India presently applies zero to 10% tariffs on the majority of medical devices, whereas the EU has strict regulatory systems that impede Indian exports. The EU's transition from Medical Device Directives (EU-MDD) to the more stringent Medical Device Rules (EU-MDR) has raised the cost and time of market entry. GTRI posits India's non-membership in the Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) adds another level of complexity to market entry. India exported USD 580 million worth of medical devices to the EU in 2024, while it imported USD 1.15 billion. 

 

Source: Rediff, EconomicTimes, Millenium Post