Indian Texpreneurs Federation (ITF) has requested the government to lift ban on export of masks as Indian textile manufacturers are now flooded with enquires about immediate supplies of at least 500 million non-surgical fashion masks from leading apparel brands of Europe and the US. This is a business opportunity worth Rs 4,000 crore over next one year and can employ 100,000 workers.

The country had banned export of surgical masks, personal protective equipment (PPEs) and some medicines in March as it faced a shortage of these key items amid rising numbers of Covid-19 patients. Textile industry claimed that the custom authorities are not allowing exports of non-surgical cloth mask, too.

The industry has now assured the government that it can meet the country’s requirement of both surgical and non-surgical masks as well as PPEs with a little handholding. Experts say masks have now become an accessory to the garments being exported. The industry is not only looking at the non-surgical fashion masks but has already invested in manufacturing of the medical grade PPEs and mask.

During the lockdown period, Tirupur had started manufacturing PPEs using sewing machines, which could not be used by the paramedical staff as the holes made during stitching process made it permeable. Now, entrepreneurs from Tirupur have imported 200 seamsealing machines, which started working from last week.

The TEA also requested the government to ensure the logistics support for procuring the raw material and help for transferring of technology from DRDO and other accredited research agencies within a month.