Coronavirus: Govt puts immediate ban on Export of Masks, Ventilators and textile raw material for masks and coveralls

Delhi: To prevent any kind of shortage in the country in the scenario of coronavirus, the export of Ventilators, Surgical/Disposable Masks (2/3 ply) and Textile raw material used for masks and coveralls has been prohibited with immediate effect.

A Notification issued by Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry says that amendments in this regard have been made in the Export Policy. All other items except surgical/disposable (2/3 ply) masks allowed in the Notification No.48 dated 25.2.2020 shall remain free for exports, the notification added

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Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that Union Minister of State for Shipping, and Chemical and Fertilizers, Mansukh Mandaviya had said that the government had imposed short term restrictions on some active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) with regards to coronavirus preparedness.

Speaking to media, Mandaviya said, "To avoid shortage of medicines in the country, suggestions have been made by a Task Force. A permanent group of ministers keeps reviewing that. We export as well as import APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients) and intermediates. In the case of some APIs, a crisis may occur in the country in the future, if they are exported. We have imposed short-term restrictions on such APIs with regard to coronavirus."

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