The federal cabinet has given its green signal export of N-95 masks and surgical masks, informed Advisor to Prime Minister on Trade Abdul Razak Dawood.

“Alhamdulillah, the Cabinet has allowed export of N-95 & Surgical masks,” said Dawood in a tweet. The advisor informed that it would take a few days to get the notification out, but exporters are urged to prepare and go full speed ahead and fulfill your orders.

“I once again apologize for the delay,” he added.

In the wake of the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Commerce imposed ban on the export of various personal protective equipment (PPE) items on the recommendation of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination (MNHSR&C) on March 24, 2020.

However, subsequently, the business community started approaching Ministries of Commerce and MNHSR& C with the plea that local manufacturers of PPEs were producing these items at full capacity resulting in inventory surplus. Therefore, they requested to be allowed to export the surplus PPE items against confirmed international orders.

Subsequently, on a summary moved by MoC, the Cabinet in its meeting held on June 2, 2020 decided to lift the ban on the export of PPE items except on surgical masks, N-95 masks and Tyvek suits. The cabinet also constituted a committee to monitor the stockpile situation of PPEs in the country.