US Launches Security Investigation on Medical Device and Robotics Imports

U.S. Administration Launches Investigation into Medical Device Imports

The U.S. Department of Commerce has launched a comprehensive investigation into medical devices, personal protective equipment, and robotic machinery to protect national security.

Scope of Medical Devices

The investigation covers many critical products, including surgical masks, N95 masks, gloves, gowns, syringes, needles, infusion pumps, scalpels, anesthesia equipment, gauze pads, and suture materials. In addition, more specialized medical devices such as heart pacemakers, insulin pumps, stents, and hearing aids are also the target of the investigation.

Robotics and Industrial Machinery

The investigation is intended to determine the potential national security implications of imports of robotics and industrial machinery. In the process, traders and manufacturers will be consulted until September 2.

Past Investigations

The US administration has recently launched similar investigations to examine security concerns over imported medicines and semiconductor technologies.