The Centre on Tuesday relaxed norms for the export of face shields, certain kind of surgical masks and medical goggles which are in demand due to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
The government has made the export of face shields free and permitted outward shipments of 2/3 ply surgical masks and medical goggles with certain conditions. Earlier export of 2/3 ply surgical masks, medical goggles and face shields were banned in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.
The export of these masks and goggles is moved from banned category to restricted one, under which an exporter has to seek a permission or licence from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
A notification is "amended to the extent that the export policy of 2/3 Ply surgical masks, medical goggles is amended from prohibited to restricted category and export of face shields has been made free," the DGFT said in a notification.
It said that 'a monthly export quota of' four crore units has been fixed for 2/3 Ply surgical masks, and 20 lakh units per month for medical goggles for issuing licenses to eligible applicants as per the criteria to be separately issued. A monthly export of 50 lakh units of medical coveralls has been allowed for COVID-19.
These products are in huge demand on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.
