Rotala International LLC

    Export Guide · USA → Worldwide

    How to Export Medical Equipment from the USA

    A practical walkthrough for international distributors, repair shops, and resellers buying refurbished or used medical equipment from U.S. exporters.

    1. U.S. Export Regulations

    Most pre-owned imaging accessories (ultrasound probes, endoscopes, surgical instruments) are classified under HS code 9018.12 / 9018.90 and are generally EAR99 — not on the U.S. Munitions List and not subject to ITAR.

    Exports must still clear screening against OFAC sanctions lists and the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Entity List. Rotala International screens every buyer and destination before shipment.

    Items are sold in the condition stated on each listing — new, refurbished, used, or untested — they are not represented as FDA-cleared finished devices for clinical use in the destination country. Buyers are responsible for local registration (e.g. NAFDAC, CE, ANVISA, SFDA).

    2. Required Export Documentation

    Commercial Invoice

    Item description, HS code, unit price, total value, currency, Incoterms (typically EXW Largo, FL or FOB Miami), and seller/buyer details.

    Packing List

    Carton count, gross/net weight per carton, dimensions, and reference numbers tied to the invoice.

    Certificate of Origin

    Confirms U.S. country of origin. Required by most customs authorities and useful for preferential tariff claims.

    AES / EEI Filing

    Filed by the freight forwarder in the Automated Export System when a single commodity exceeds $2,500 USD.

    Airway Bill / Bill of Lading

    Issued by the carrier (FedEx, DHL, UPS, ocean line) as the transport contract and cargo receipt.

    Statement of Condition & Sale Terms

    Rotala International includes a written condition statement for every item to support customs declarations and refurbisher resale chains.

    3. Shipping Logistics — Air vs Sea

    Air Freight

    3–7 business days door-to-door via FedEx International Priority, DHL Express, or UPS Worldwide.

    Best for ultrasound probes, endoscopes, surgical instruments — high value, low volume.

    Tracking is end-to-end; customs clearance is usually handled by the carrier's brokerage.

    Sea Freight

    25–45 days port-to-port via LCL or FCL containers out of Miami / Port Everglades.

    Best for ultrasound machines, C-arms, exam tables, anesthesia carts — heavy or oversized freight.

    Buyer typically appoints a local customs broker at the destination port.

    4. Inspection Checklist Before You Ship

    • Visual condition photos of every serial-numbered unit (front, back, connector).
    • Reference number and country of origin recorded on the invoice.
    • Foam-lined, double-walled cartons for probes and optics; ATA cases for endoscopes.
    • Moisture absorbers and tamper-evident seals on the inner case.
    • Per-item weight + dimensions to give the freight forwarder accurate rates.

    5. Duties, Taxes & Landed Cost

    Import duty rates on HS 9018 medical devices vary by country — typically 0–15%. VAT/GST is charged on top of the CIF value in most jurisdictions.

    Rotala International ships DAP / DDU by default: the buyer is the importer of record and pays duties, taxes, and customs broker fees on arrival. We will quote a full DDP landed cost on request for buyers who prefer a single all-in price.

    Let Rotala Handle Your U.S. Export

    Florida-based exporter. We handle the documentation, freight forwarder coordination, and AES filing — you receive the equipment, ready for customs clearance.