Exporting Used Equipment

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 some currencies, the lack of capital, and expensive credit has forced many overseas companies to look for alternatives to buying expensive new equipment. For this reason, they are often forced to consider importing used or refurbished machinery or parts.

Possible Barriers:

  1. Licenses may be required by the country’s Ministry of Industry/Trade or other agencies that regulate the type of equipment being imported.
  2. Some goods may require a certificate, notarized by their embassy or consulate in the U.S., as proof of refurbishment.
  3. Mandatory registration and certification requirements for the used/refurbished equipment may limit US company access to that market.
  4. Some countries will only registration of new equipment, not refurbished equipment.
  5. Safety and environmental regulations may limit the type of equipment that can be imported, or require expensive modifications.
  6. Restrictions on the age of equipment allowed into a country.
  7. Some countries may require that only the original manufacturer or authorized agent can refurbish equipment
  8. In certain cases, imported used equipment is subject to the same import tax treatment as a new item. (The HS schedule often has no subdivision for used equipment.)
  9. A “disinfection certificate” may be required for used clothing imports.

Some Key Used Equipment Sectors:

Health and Health Tech: This group can provite information on the global import regulations for used & refurbished medical devices. It also has information on country import requirements, trade data for used & refurbished medical equipment.

Aerospace & Defense Industry

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 and Smart Mobility Industry

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.

Construction and Mining Machinery

This group offers research and data plus promotional support for exporters of construction and mining machinery.