PPE makers told to prepare for global certification

NEW DELHI: Sensing an opportunity in crisis, the government has asked industry to prepare for global certification to be able to export Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) once India’s demand for the specialised protective suits, critical for medical personnel dealing with Covid-19 cases, is fulfilled.

Officials said while industry is keen to export, they have to be prepared with international certifications and the government would take a decision based on new projections of domestic requirements.

“Industry should prepare for international certifications and meet other countries’ standards.

There are functional requirements such as health and safety for which different countries have different criteria,” said an official in the know. Textiles ministry has had a round of discussion with industry on the issue.

Manufacturers need a Conformité Européene or CE marking to be able to export PPEs to the European Union and a certification from the Food and Drug Administration for the US market.

Certification can be done in two ways - either the seller sends the PPE samples to these authorities or these agencies allow their accredited labs in India to certify manufacturers here.

“There is demand coming from the EU, UK and the US. We have sought help from the government and Indian missions abroad on international certifications,” said A Sakthivel, chairman, Apparel Export Promotion Council.