This article focuses on foreign trade import-export services, detailing document processing, logistics arrangements, analyzing advantages and procedures in Russian and Southeast Asian markets, discussing trade conditions, and providing practical guidance on certification assistance.

In the context of the continuously developing global medical market, Class IMedical DevicesofImport and Export TradeContains abundant opportunities. For enterprises involved in this field, a clear understandingImport and export processUnderstanding market conditions and leveraging professional foreign trade agency services are crucial. As a foreign trade agency company specializing in import and export process services, Zongdai Service has deep professional expertise and unique advantages in the import and export business of Class I medical devices.

Comprehensive Agency Service Capabilities: Documentation Processing and Logistics Arrangement

Document processing

Documents are the key link in international trade, and accurate document processing is the guarantee for smooth customs clearance and delivery of goods. In the import and export of Class I medical devices, Zongdai Service's professional team is proficient in the preparation and review of various documents. From commercial invoices and bills of lading to packing lists and certificates of origin, each document is meticulously handled in strict accordance with international trade practices and the regulatory requirements of the destination country.
Taking commercial invoices as an example, they must not only clearly list basic information such as detailed descriptions, quantities, and values of the goods but also ensure full consistency with contract terms to meet customs valuation and taxation requirements. For bills of lading, we will select the appropriate type based on the transportation method and customer needs, such as ocean bills of lading or air waybills, and carefully verify all information on the bills of lading, including shipper, consignee, notify party, cargo description, marks, number of packages, weight, etc., to avoid delays in cargo delivery or additional costs due to errors in the bills of lading.
At the same time, in response to the special requirements for medical device documentation in different countries, such as Russia's potential need for additional GOST certification-related documents, we are also adept at handling them, ensuring complete and compliant documentation to eliminate customers' concerns.

Logistics arrangement

Efficient logistics is key to the timely delivery of Class I medical devices. Leveraging years of accumulated logistics resources and experience, Zongdai Service can tailor the optimal logistics solution for customers. Whether it's sea, air, or land freight, we can precisely manage it.
For large quantities of Class I medical devices, sea freight is often an economical choice. We have established long-term cooperative relationships with many well-known shipping companies, enabling us to secure competitive freight rates and guaranteed space. During the booking process, we plan ahead based on the estimated completion time and delivery schedule of the goods, ensuring timely loading and shipment. At the same time, we monitor various risks during sea freight, such as adverse weather and port congestion, and communicate and coordinate with shipping companies to take appropriate measures to ensure cargo safety and transportation efficiency.
For small batches of urgently needed medical devices or high-value products, air freight is more suitable. We are familiar with the routes and capacity of major airlines, enabling us to quickly arrange air freight bookings and assist customers with related air freight procedures, such as dangerous goods declarations (if the medical devices contain special components). After the goods arrive at the destination port, we can also provide customs clearance and delivery services to ensure the goods reach the customer smoothly.

The Russian Market: VTB Foreign Exchange Settlement Advantage

When exporting Class I medical devices to the Russian market, the foreign exchange settlement process is crucial. Zongdai Service offers unique VTB foreign exchange settlement convenience for the Russian market.

VTB Settlement Process and Advantages

VTB Bank is a major financial institution in Russia and has established a strong cooperative relationship with Zongdai Service. To settle foreign exchange through VTB, first, after the goods are shipped and the relevant documents are obtained, the customer submits the documents to Zongdai Service. We will assist the customer in reviewing and organizing the documents according to VTB Bank's requirements, ensuring the documents are complete and meet the bank's review standards.
Subsequently, we submit the documents to VTB Bank. After verifying the documents, the bank will convert the foreign currency into RMB at the current exchange rate and transfer the funds to the customer's designated account. Compared to other foreign exchange settlement methods, this process offers advantages such as speed and low handling fees. Typically, provided the documents meet the requirements, VTB Bank can complete the foreign exchange settlement operation in a relatively short time, significantly shortening the enterprise's fund recovery cycle and improving capital utilization efficiency.
At the same time, due to VTB Bank's position in the Russian financial market, it has a deeper understanding of Russia's trade-related regulations and policies, effectively avoiding foreign exchange settlement risks caused by policy changes or documentation issues, providing stable financial security for enterprises' trade activities in the Russian market.

Southeast Asian Market: Import/Export Processes and Solutions

The settlement process typically involves: After completing exports and submitting required documents, enterprises apply for settlement. VTB Bank reviews documents and, upon confirmation, exchanges foreign currency into RMB at current rates. Compared to other banks, VTB has broader Russian market coverage and deeper understanding of local trade regulations and financial policies, enabling faster, more accurate settlement processing.

When importing Class I medical devices from Southeast Asia, the first step is market research and supplier screening. Zongdaifu assists clients through various channels such as attending medical device exhibitions and industry websites to identify suitable suppliers, while evaluating their qualifications, product quality, and production capabilities.
After confirming suppliers, sign procurement contracts. Contracts must specify key terms like product specifications, quantities, prices, delivery periods, and payment methods. Common payment methods include T/T (telegraphic transfer) and L/C (letter of credit). If choosing L/C, comprehensive agency services assist clients in applying for letters of credit from banks to ensure terms align with contracts while guiding suppliers to prepare documents according to L/C requirements.
After goods are ready, suppliers arrange shipment. At this stage, comprehensive agency services track transportation status and promptly obtain bills of lading and other shipping documents. Before goods arrive at destination ports, we handle import customs declaration procedures in advance. Required documents include commercial invoices, bills of lading, packing lists, certificates of origin, and medical device registration certificates (depending on products). We accurately complete customs declarations based on different countries' requirements and pay corresponding tariffs and VAT.
After customs clearance release, arrange transportation to client-specified locations. Throughout the import process, we also assist clients with goods inspection and quarantine to ensure products comply with domestic standards.

Export Process

When exporting Class I medical devices to Southeast Asia, the first step is understanding the destination country's market access requirements. Different countries have varying regulations and standards for medical devices—Singapore has strict registration and certification requirements while Malaysia has specific labeling and instruction regulations. Comprehensive agency services closely monitor such regulatory changes to provide clients with accurate information.
Next, sign sales contracts with clients to clarify rights and obligations. Arrange production or stock preparation based on contracts while simultaneously booking shipping space to determine transportation methods and schedules. After product completion, conduct quality inspections to ensure compliance with contract requirements and destination country standards.
Then, prepare export documents including commercial invoices, bills of lading, packing lists, certificates of origin, and medical device free sale certificates. Submit documents to freight forwarders or shipping companies to arrange cargo shipment. After goods arrive at destination ports, assist foreign clients with customs clearance to ensure smooth delivery.

Current International Trade Situation: Challenges and Opportunities

challenge

The current international trade situation is complex and volatile, with Class I medical device import/export facing many challenges. Rising trade protectionism leads some countries to continuously raise import barriers for medical devices through increased tariffs and complex certification requirements. For example, the US has recently implemented stricter FDA certification reviews for imported medical devices, increasing enterprises' certification costs and time cycles.
Exchange rate fluctuations also pose a major challenge. Unstable exchange rates affect enterprises' profit margins. Taking RMB-USD exchange rates as an example, if RMB appreciates, for export enterprises under USD-denominated contracts, actual RMB income after settlement would decrease.
Furthermore, the ongoing impact of the global pandemic has caused logistics supply chain disruptions. Frequent issues like port congestion and reduced flights increase uncertainty and costs in cargo transportation.

Opportunities

Despite numerous challenges, there are also many opportunities. With global aging populations and increasing health awareness, demand for Class I medical devices continues to grow. Emerging markets like Southeast Asia and Africa are continuously improving medical infrastructure, showing huge potential market demand for medical devices.
Meanwhile, digital technology development brings new opportunities to international trade. The rise of cross-border e-commerce platforms enables medical device enterprises to directly reach global customers and expand sales channels. Additionally, countries have placed more emphasis on medical device industry development when responding to public health events, introducing supportive policies that provide development space for enterprises.

Product certification services

In Class I medical device import/export processes, product certification is essential. Different countries and regions have varying certification requirements for medical devices. For example, the EU's CE certification serves as a pass for products entering the EU market, proving compliance with relevant EU directives and harmonized standards.
Although comprehensive agency services do not directly provide certification processing, we fully inform clients of required certifications. With familiarity of various countries' regulations, we can accurately sort out certification lists for different markets. Meanwhile, we assist clients in certification-related matters, such as guiding them to prepare required documents and providing certification process consultation. We maintain good communication with numerous certification bodies and can provide reliable recommendations to help clients complete product certification smoothly, ensuring products enter target markets compliantly.

in conclusion

The foreign trade import/export business of Class I medical devices is full of opportunities but also faces challenges. With professional capabilities in document processing and logistics arrangements, VTB settlement advantages for the Russian market, as well as extensive experience and solutions in Southeast Asian market import/export processes, comprehensive agency services can escort enterprises through complex international trade environments. Assistance in product certification services also solves enterprises' concerns, helping them succeed in Class I medical device import/export.