Commission launches first investigation under EU International Procurement Instrument

European Commission - Press release Commission launches first investigation under EU International Procurement Instrument Brussels, 24 April 2024 Today, the European Commission has initiated for the first time an investigation under the International Procurement Instrument (IPI). This investigation has been launched in response to measures and practices in the Chinese procurement market for medical devices which discriminate unfairly against European companies and products. Evidence gathered by the Commission indicates that China's procurement market for medical devices has gradually become more closed for European and foreign firms, as well as for products made in the EU. This is due to measures introduced by China that unfairly differentiate between local and foreign companies, and between locally produced and imported medical devices. Having previously raised its concerns directly and repeatedly with Chinese authorities, and in the absence of satisfactory replies or actions, the Commission has decided to address this issue through the Regulation pursuant to the IPI. The EU is a strong advocate of a level playing field in international procurement markets. In this context, the first aim of an IPI investigation is to foster dialogue between competent authorities on removing discrimination in public procurement, for the benefit of all. Only if dialogue fails to deliver an equitable agreement will the Commission consider imposing IPI measures. This investigation...