Many overseas companies are looking for alternatives to buying expensive new equipment, and this presents a significant opportunity to U.S. exporters.

General Guidance:

The devaluation of many currencies, the lack of capital and expensive credit has forced many overseas companies to look for alternatives to buying new equipment. For this reason, them to consider the importation of used equipment. Some are also refurbishing their machinery with used or refurbished parts. This presents opportunities for US firms dealing in used equipment to make significant export sales.

Possible Barriers:

1. Licenses may be required by the Minister of Industry/Trade or officials in certain agencies that cover the type of equipment being imported into the country.
2. As proof of refurbishment, goods may require a certificate notarized by the commercial office of the country’s embassy or consulate in the United States – as proof of refurbishment.
3. Mandatory registration and certification requirements for the importation of used/refurbish equipment may limit access to that market.
4. Certain Ministries within the country will only register new equipment, not refurbished equipment.
5. Certain safety and environmental regulations must be considered.
6. Restrictions on used equipment that is over a certain age.
7. Certain countries may require the original manufacturer or authorized agent to refurbish used equipment
8. In certain cases, all used items entering into customs are subject to the same import tax treatment as new item. This is because the Harmonized tariff schedule often has no item subdivision for “rebuilt” or “refurbished” equipment.
9. A “disinfection certificate” may be required for used clothing imports.

Medical Devices:

Office of Health and Information Technologies (OHIT)
https://www.trade.gov/td/ohit/
Includes: Global import regulations for used & refurbished medical devices

• Country listing for Import Requirements
• Trade data for used & refurbished medical equipment
• Market Prospects

Aerospace, Auto, and Machinery:

Office of Transportation and Machinery’s Aerospace (OHIT)

• Trade data on aerospace, automotive, and machinery products and parts 
• Market Prospects

Aerospace Team (OHIT)
https://www.trade.gov/td/otm/aero.asp

The Aerospace Team covers a full spectrum of aerospace products, including aircraft parts, general aviation aircraft, rotorcraft, business jets and large civil aircraft. We also work on issues relating to the commercial space sector, including launch vehicles and satellites.

Automotive Team (OHIT)
https://www.trade.gov/td/otm/auto.asp

The Automotive Team covers motor vehicle (passenger cars, light trucks and heavy trucks) and automotive parts (original equipment, aftermarket and specialty equipment). The Team does not cover motorcycles, recreational vehicles, or construction equipment or other offroad vehicles.

Machinery Team (OHIT)
https://www.trade.gov/td/otm/aero.asp

The Machinery Team covers a wide range of sectors to include agricultural, construction, and mining machinery and related equipment; diesel engines; food processing machinery; material handling equipment; machine tools and other manufacturing machinery.