Govt removes restrictions on export of PPE, allows export of N95 masks with restrictions

Mumbai: Indian manufacturers will now be able to freely export personal protective equipment (PPE) as the government on Tuesday removed restrictions on the export of medical coveralls.

The export of 5 million N95 masks and 2 million medical goggles a month has also been allowed, according to a notification from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. The export of nitrile gloves continues to be prohibited.

Masks other than the N95/FFP2 category and face shields can also be freely exported.


The government had put restrictions on the export of medical equipment like PPE, masks, and gloves to prevent a shortage of these items in the country during the coronavirus pandemic. However, as local production capacity ramped up and the domestic demand was adequately served, manufacturers lobbied the Centre to allow the export of these items to generate additional revenue to counter the decline in the apparel business.