Govt imposes ban on export of surgical masks, hand sanitisers

ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Tuesday imposed a ban on the export of surgical masks, hand sanitisers, goggles and other seven items.

According to a copy of the notification available with this scribe, “In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1950 (XXXIX of 1950), the federal government has banned the export of surgical masks, hand sanitisers, goggles, Tyvek Suits, disposable gowns as well as gloves, face shield, N95 marks, biohazard bags and shoe cover.”

This ban will lapse on the completion of the process of assessment of the baseline requirements of the country and stockpiling to be notified by the government, the notification added.

BAN ON ONION EXPORTS

Separately, the Ministry of Commerce also issued a notification to ban onion exports.

According to the notification, “In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1950 (MIX of 1950), the federal government has banned the export of onions. The ban shall lapse on May 31, 2020.”

It is pertinent to mention that the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) had imposed the ban on onion exports on February 20 this year.