Government lifts export ban on non-woven fabric used for making masks and coveralls

NEW DELHI: The government on Monday lifted the prohibition on export of all non-woven fabric used for production of masks and coveralls other than those in the 25-70 GSM (grams per square metre) and melt-blown categories.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in a notification said export of non-woven fabric for 25-70 GSM and melt-blown fabric continues to be in the prohibited category.

“All other non-woven fabrics with GSM other than 25-70 GSM are freely allowed for exports,” DGFT said.

Last month, India allowed the export of personal protective equipment(PPE) medical coveralls with a monthly quota of 50 lakh. It also permitted the export of non-surgical/non-medical masks made up of rayon, nylon, polyester, viscose fabrics in woven, blended and knitted form in addition to masks made up of cotton, silk and woollen.

The DGFT had prohibited exports of textile raw materials for masks and PPE coveralls in March fearing their shortage amid the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.