China's quarantine and custom authorities on Tuesday ordered localities to step up supervision of the entry of medical instruments donated by overseas groups in a move to prevent entry of medical waste.

Foreign donors are forbidden from carrying medical instruments banned by Chinese regulations which might be hazardous to the environment or public health, or items that are improper either morally or politically, according to a circular issued by the authorities.

Donations of medical instruments and other articles should be unused and registered with Chinese government departments in charge of medical instrument registration, according to the circular.

According to the circular, recipients of the donations should apply for entry licenses with commercial departments before they go through procedures with customs departments.

Overseas donors are also required to register by themselves, or through their agents in China, with branches of the General Administration of Quality Supervision.

It has been reported by Chinese media that medical waste has been found in medical instruments or articles donated by overseas groups.

(Xinhua News Agency February 22, 2006)