Govt puts quantitative restriction on export of 3 types of syringes to boost domestic production

The health ministry says the export restriction will apply to three categories of syringes for three months.

Representational image | Pixabay

New Delhi: The central government has imposed a quantitative restriction on the export of syringes to boost domestic production and supply, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.

In a statement issued Saturday, the ministry said the export restriction will apply to just three categories of syringes for three months. These include 0.5 ml/ 1ml auto-disable syringes, 0.5 ml/1 ml/2 ml/3 ml disposable syringes and 1ml/2 ml/3 ml re-use prevention syringes.

The health ministry further said this should not be considered as an export ban on any kind/type of syringes, rather it’s only a quantitative restriction on the export of certain types of specified syringes. Further, the syringes of denominations and types other than those mentioned above are not covered under Quantitative Restriction, the statement added.

Manufacturers urge govt to lift export restrictions on non-Covid syringes

The quantitative export ban comes at a time when the country has administered more than 90 Crore Covid-19 vaccine doses to its citizens. Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a recent event said the country will soon cross the 100-crore mark.

According to reports, the syringe manufacturers have urged the government to lift export restrictions on non-Covid syringes as it will India’s reputation as dependable producers will be threatened with such decisions.

On 5 October, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said the export policy for syringes with or without needles had been amended from ‘free’ to ‘restricted’.

All India Syringe and Needle Manufacturers Association said “It takes lots of effort and years to build credibility as a global supplier and India’s reputation as a manufacturing hub of syringes will be tarnished as being undependable. We will always prioritise domestic needs.” To ensure there are no local shortages, on a voluntary basis, many Indian syringe manufacturers have not accepted new business export opportunities from many overseas buyers.”