Govt allows exports of soaps, cleaning preparations, not alcohol-based hand sanitizers

NEW DELHI: The government on Wednesday freed the exports of hand sanitizers except those which are alcohol-based to boost its availability in the domestic market amid coronavirus pandemic.

“Only alcohol based hand sanitizers are prohibited for exports,” directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) said in a notification.

The alcohol-based sanitizers are effective in killing the novel coronavirus.


On March 24, India had prohibited the exports of hand sanitisers, soaps, washing and cleaning preparations, disinfectants and medicaments. It had also banned the export of ventilators, artificial respiratory apparatus, oxygen therapy apparatus, and any other breathing appliance due to the coronavirus scare in the country.