The United States is helping Sri Lankan apparel producers to export personal protective equipment (PPE) to the United States. In partnership with the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), the US Embassy in Colombo organised two webinars recently for over 100 industry participants to prepare them to break into the US market.
The project was funded by the United States Agency for International Development and is implemented by Deloitte Consulting, according to a press release from the embassy.
The first webinar explained how to comply with the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulations. Experts on the classifications applicable to PPE exports and the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization (implemented temporarily during the COVID-19 crisis) engaged with participants and walked them through the process.
The second webinar focused on accessing the US market and featured in-depth discussions with US experts on market demand for PPE, including federal demand, distribution chains, and how to sell to the US federal government. Participants learned about US government acquisition regulations, and examined criteria to consider in deciding whether PPE manufacturing would be a feasible and strategic, long-term decision.
