Guide to Importing and Shipping Medical Goods and Equipment from China

With the increasing global demand for medical care, importing medical products and equipment from China has become a key option for many hospitals, distributors, and medical supply chain companies. China not only boasts strong manufacturing capabilities but also offers a comprehensive product range, from basic medical supplies to high-end medical equipment.

This guide will help companies better understand and navigate the import process by covering medical product categories, why choose China, the import process, shipping methods, shipping costs, and partnership recommendations.

Classification of Medical Products and Equipment

Medical products and equipment cover a wide range, from daily consumables to high-end medical technology.

First, disposable medical supplies, such as masks, gloves, syringes, and IV tubing, are in high demand and relatively inexpensive, making them suitable for large-scale imports.

Second, diagnostic and testing equipment, including X-ray machines, ultrasound machines, blood pressure monitors, and electrocardiographs, typically must meet the medical certifications and safety standards of the destination country.

Third, therapeutic and surgical instruments, such as scalpels, medical sutures, and endoscopic equipment, have strict requirements for shipping conditions and packaging.

Finally, large medical equipment, such as CT machines, MRI machines, and ventilators, are high-value and large in size, posing more stringent requirements for transportation, insurance, and installation services. Companies should clearly distinguish between these categories before purchasing so they can develop appropriate procurement and logistics plans.

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Why Import Medical Products and Equipment from China?

China is a key choice for importing medical products due to its industrial advantages.

First, China is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of medical supplies, with a well-developed production chain and raw material supply system, enabling large-scale production and significant price competitiveness.

Second, Chinese companies are continuously improving their medical product R&D and quality control. Many products now meet international certification standards such as ISO13485, CE, and FDA, meeting the requirements of markets in Europe, the United States, and the Middle East.

Third, Chinese suppliers are experienced in handling large orders and fast delivery, and are able to flexibly adjust production capacity, demonstrating strong supply capabilities, particularly during the pandemic.

Furthermore, China’s geographical location and well-developed port infrastructure, along with diverse transportation channels, ensure that goods can reach all corners of the world quickly and safely. This makes it an ideal choice for importers who need to balance cost and efficiency.

How to Import Medical Supplies and Equipment from China

Importing medical products is not simply a matter of purchasing; it requires strict compliance with regulations and standards.

The first step is to screen qualified suppliers. Importers should verify the factory’s qualifications and relevant certification documents and, if necessary, entrust a third-party testing agency to conduct quality inspections. During the contract signing phase, product standards, delivery conditions, and after-sales responsibilities should be clearly defined. It should also be determined whether additional certification documents, such as medical device registration certificates, sterilization certificates, or quarantine reports, are required.

Next, prepare complete documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and certificates of origin. Be aware of the destination country’s import licensing requirements for medical devices.

Finally, it is recommended to place a small trial order before official shipment to confirm that the product meets the intended use standards. This can effectively reduce the risks associated with large-scale imports.

Common International Certification Requirements for Medical Devices

Before importing or selling medical devices, most countries require that the product comply with relevant regulations and obtain certification. Common certifications include:

ISO13485

• Medical Device Quality Management System Certification.
• This certification certifies that the manufacturer complies with international medical device management requirements in design, production, installation, and service.

CE Certification (European Market)

• All medical devices entering the EU market require the CE mark.
• Medical devices are categorized as Class I, Class IIa, Class IIb, and Class III, with different conformity assessment procedures required for different risk levels.

FDA Certification (US Market)

• The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) registers and regulates medical devices.
• Medical devices are categorized as Class I, Class II, and Class III, with different approval levels and regulatory requirements varying.

CFDA / NMPA (Domestic Sales in China)

• Medical devices imported for sale in China must be registered with the State Food and Drug Administration (NMPA, formerly CFDA).

Other Certifications

• Japan: PMDA audit.
• Canada: CMDCAS/MDSAP.
• Some countries in the Middle East and Africa may also require local registration or third-party testing reports.

How to Ship Medical Supplies and Equipment from China

Medical products have a variety of shipping methods, and the appropriate method should be selected based on the characteristics of the cargo.

Sea freight is suitable for large quantities of disposable medical supplies or durable equipment, offering lower costs but longer shipping times. Both full container load (FCL) and less-than-container load (LCL) shipping options are flexible.

Air freight is typically used for urgent medical supplies or high-value products, such as ventilators and testing reagents. It offers faster shipping times but higher costs. In some cases, chartered aircraft or palletized shipping may be an option.

Express delivery and international dedicated lines are suitable for small quantities of time-sensitive products, such as samples or urgent orders.

Regardless of the shipping method, packaging requirements must be considered. Medical products generally require moisture-proof, shock-resistant, sterilized, or temperature-controlled packaging to prevent degradation during transportation. Working with a professional freight forwarder can provide a suitable solution based on the characteristics of the cargo and the regulations of the destination.

Choosing the Right Freight Forwarder from China
Shipment of medical equipment from China requires careful consideration, as the transportation of medical supplies and equipment requires a unique set of requirements. Basenton Logistics has extensive experience in shipping medical equipment and can safely deliver your shipment from China to your designated country or region. If you’re interested in shipping from China to other countries, please click on the following post:

Shipping cost Medical Supplies and Equipment From China

Estimating Medical Supplies and Equipment shipping costs requires considering a variety of factors. Size, weight, destination, shipping method, and additional services like insurance or expedited shipping all affect the final cost. It is crucial to get accurate shipping quotes from different carriers or shipping companies to compare prices and services.

In 2025, the sea freight from major ports in China (such as Shanghai and Tianjin) to the West Coast of the United States (such as Los Angeles) will be approximately US$100 to US$250/cubic meter. For specific prices, please consult the Chinese freight forwarder Basenton Logistics.

As a rough estimate, shipping a 40-foot container from China to the U.S. West Coast costs between $2,500 and $4,000. For the U.S. East Coast, costs may increase by $3,000 to $4,500 due to longer shipping distances.

For more detailed information on the cost of shipping from China to the United States, please click on the link:

If you are shipping not to the United States, but to Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, Spain, Romania, Turkey, Hungary or other countries, and want to know the cost of shipping from China to the destination country, you can read the following post.

Requirements for Shipping Medical Equipment and Supplies from China

Shipping medical equipment from China is more stringent than shipping general merchandise, primarily in the following areas:

Higher Packaging Standards

• Requirements include moisture-proof, shock-proof, and anti-static packaging, with some products requiring fully enclosed sterilized packaging.
• For high-precision instruments (such as CT and MRI machines), wooden crates with reinforcement and shock-absorbing devices are often used.

Temperature and Environmental Control

• Some reagents, vaccines, and diagnostic consumables require cold chain transportation, maintaining a temperature of 2–8°C or lower throughout the entire process.
• Temperature recorders must be installed to ensure traceability during transportation.

More Documentation and Documentation Requirements

• In addition to the standard invoice, packing list, and bill of lading, certification certificates, test reports, and instruction manuals (in multiple languages) are required.
• Some countries require an import license to be applied for in advance.

More Stringent Customs Clearance Procedures

• Medical equipment is often classified as sensitive and subject to increased scrutiny by customs.
• Some countries (such as the United States and India) require additional testing or approvals at the import stage.

Insurance and Risk Management

• Medical equipment is valuable and susceptible to damage during transportation, so we recommend purchasing comprehensive insurance.
• Some equipment requires integrated transportation and installation services to prevent damage or calibration failures.

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Freight Forwarders Shipping Medical Equipment and Supplies from China

Choosing the right freight forwarder is crucial for cross-border transportation of medical equipment and supplies. Unlike ordinary cargo, medical products often involve certification documents, temperature control requirements, and are of high value. If handled improperly, problems can easily arise during customs clearance, transportation, or delivery. Therefore, a professional and experienced international freight forwarder can save businesses significant time and costs, while effectively mitigating risk.

Basenton Logistics, a professional international freight forwarder in China, has long served clients in the medical industry and has extensive experience transporting medical devices, laboratory consumables, diagnostic reagents, and high-end medical equipment. We are familiar with the regulatory requirements of various countries and can provide clients with professional guidance on certification, customs clearance, and transportation methods, ensuring that shipments comply with local policies and pass through customs smoothly.

Basenton Logistics offers not only traditional ocean and air freight, but also special lines, chartered flights, and door-to-door services for high-value or urgent medical equipment. For supplies requiring cold chain transportation, we provide constant-temperature warehousing, cold chain transportation, and full-process monitoring to ensure stable and controlled temperatures and environments during transportation.

We can also design DDP (Delivery Duty Paid) services for our customers, with Basenton Logistics providing customs clearance and delivery services at both the origin and destination, eliminating the need for customers to worry about complex import procedures. We also assist in preparing certification documents and licenses in advance to address specific country requirements, minimizing customs clearance delays.

With a professional team and years of industry experience, Basenton Logistics can tailor-make transportation solutions for our customers. Whether it’s large-scale shipments of disposable medical consumables or specialized packaging and high-value insurance for precision medical equipment, we offer efficient and secure solutions, allowing global customers to confidently import medical products from China.

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Medical devices aren’t just common trade goods; they’re specialized commodities subject to strict regulations. Beyond standard shipping requirements, they must also meet the destination country’s certification standards (CE, FDA, ISO13485, etc.). A professional freight forwarder is also essential for transportation, especially when dealing with cold chain issues, high-value equipment, or hazardous material accessories (such as batteries). Basenton Logistics can help you smoothly transport these medical supplies from China to your desired country.