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#COVID19 increased the trade of medical products. However, the health sector has been neglected in terms of providing it a clear trade policy in order to boost its capacity and introduce new and upgraded facilities. The following figures reveals critical issues in its trade: 1/n
#Pakistan exports disinfectants and sterilization products in the form of alcohol solution (HS 220710). Also exports medical and surgical instruments (HS 9018) and personal protection equipment. It relies on imports of several products related to this sector. 2/n
Pakistan imposes one of the highest tariffs on medical related products. On the other hand, tariffs are almost non-existent on imports into the developed countries. Prior to #COVID19Pandemic, tariffs on diagnostic kits was exceptionally high. 3/n
Several countries have now adopted technical barriers to #trade which rely on standards and certifications. Imports of #Medical products have to be authorized and certified. For eg, this ensures the prohibition on imports of faulty kits. Unfortunately, Pakistan lags behind. 4/n
The coverage ratio on technical barriers (similar to weighted avg on tariffs). Technical barriers are almost non-existent on imports into Pakistan of several critical medical products. Most barriers are likely to be protective in nature instead. 5/n
As the lack of standards and certification in services sectors can lead to significant live loss, lack of such standards and certifications on imports of life-saving medicines and apparatus can also be dangerous. A trade policy is urgently needed to address such issues. 6/n
