India has allowed the export of 4 crore surgical masks and 20 lakh medical goggles every month. Earlier export of 2/3 Ply surgical masks, medical goggles and face shields were banned in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. “Monthly export quota of 50 Lakh units of medical coveralls for COVID-19, 20 lakh medical goggles has been permitted.” the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said.

All other items that are part of PPE kits remain prohibited, it said.

“Following PM Modi’s mantra of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, in a decision to promote Make in India and industrial growth, govt permits export of 4 cr 2/3 Ply surgical masks and 20 lakh medical goggles every month, along with restriction-free export of face shields,” minister for commerce and industry Piyush Goyal tweeted.

The export of these masks and goggles has been moved from banned category to restricted one, under which an exporter has to seek permission or a licence from DGFT.