Post the decision, masks of all categories can be exported from India. “The export policy of N-95/FFP-2 masks or its equivalent is amended from ‘restricted’ to ‘free’ category making all types of masks freely exportable,” a notification by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade said. In August, the government had allowed the export of N95 masks, up to a limit of 50 lakh units per month. Earlier, exports were totally barred to cater to the domestic demand amid the coronavirus pandemic.

 The domestic production of masks and PPE overalls have significantly increased in the past six months, and sector players have been asking the government to lift the curb on exports.