The government of India lifted the ban on export of all non-woven fabric used for production of masks and coveralls on 13 July, two weeks after the export permission of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) medical coveralls. However the permission doesn’t include product made of 25-70 GSM (grams per square metre) and melt-blown categories.
The General Directorate of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a circular, “All other non-woven fabrics with GSM other than 25-70 GSM are freely allowed for exports”.
Earlier, India had allowed the export of personal protective equipment (PPE) medical coveralls last month for a quota of 50 lakh. It has also allowed the export of non-surgical / non-medical masks made of rayon, nylon, polyester and viscose fabrics in addition to masks made of cotton, silk and wool.
India is producing about 8 lakh PPEs every day and has huge potential for it. According to APEC, domestic exporters are able play a key role in the global market for PPEs estimating the market to be more than $60 billion over the next five years.
Over the past 2 months, the industry has been repeatedly demanding permission to export PPE. This decision greatly expands the opportunities for Indian garment exporters.
