The Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI), representing leading multinational medical device companies, today called on the Government of India to reinstate interim imports of refurbished medical devices and to include the sector in the Electronics Repair Services Outsourcing (ERSO) initiative. The move aims to alleviate disruption in healthcare services, especially in tier 2-4 cities and rural regions.

Recent discontinuation of imports for refurbished medical equipment by Indian regulators is jeopardizing access and efficiency in medical care outside major urban centers. “The suspension of refurbished medical device imports is hampering healthcare services, especially in underserved areas. Prolonged restriction could negatively impact providers and jobs,” said Pavan Choudary, Chairman of MTaI.

In 2023, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) permitted such imports under revised e-waste management rules. However, in January 2025, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) instructed customs authorities that the current Medical Devices Rules (2017) do not provide for licensing or regulation of refurbished medical devices, thereby halting imports. MTaI estimates nearly 10% of India’s ₹1,500 crore medical equipment industry comprises pre-owned devices.

Recognizing industry concerns—including patient safety for high-risk equipment—MTaI is advocating interim approvals by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and MoEFCC, alongside greater regulatory clarity and stakeholder engagement.

MTaI also urges the Central Government to include medical devices in the ERSO pilot program, citing potential to advance local repair expertise, foster technology adoption, and support job creation. The ERSO initiative, launched in Bengaluru by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) in May 2023, is expected to generate up to $20 billion in revenue and millions of jobs over five years.