China's quarantine and custom authorities on Tuesday ordered
localities to step up supervision of the entry of medical
instruments donated by overseas groups in a move to prevent entry
of medical waste.
Foreign donors are forbidden from carrying medical instruments
banned by Chinese regulations which might be hazardous to the
environment or public health, or items that are improper either
morally or politically, according to a circular issued by the
authorities.
Donations of medical instruments and other articles should be
unused and registered with Chinese government departments in charge
of medical instrument registration, according to the circular.
According to the circular, recipients of the donations should
apply for entry licenses with commercial departments before they go
through procedures with customs departments.
Overseas donors are also required to register by themselves, or
through their agents in China, with branches of the General
Administration of Quality Supervision.
It has been reported by Chinese media that medical waste has
been found in medical instruments or articles donated by overseas
groups.
(Xinhua News Agency February 22, 2006)
