Allow export of fashion masks: ITF tells govt

05 May '20

2 min read

Pic: Shutterstock

Coimbatore-based Indian Texpreneurs Federation (ITF) has appealed to the Union government to allow exports of non-surgical fashion (cloth) masks, as there is an immediate export opportunity for 50 crore masks. The ₹1,000 crore export business opportunity would guarantee employment for 25,000 workers now, and can aim for ₹4,000 crore exports and 1 lakh jobs.

"We have enough capacities to make 100 crore masks for domestic market in a month's time just from one of our clusters alone. Many of our ITF member companies started making masks for domestic markets from Coimbatore and Tiruppur clusters in large numbers. So, allowing exports of fashion masks can help textile sector in a big way," ITF said in a letter sent to the Prime Minister's Office and commerce minister Piyush Goyal.

"We can allow fashion (cloth) mask exports while continuing the ban on surgical masks. Huge enquiries numbering in lakhs (are) coming from many countries. We (India) have capacity to cater for both domestic and export markets," ITF said in a tweet to PMO India and Goyal.

"This export opportunity will help the sector in these difficult times. Wearing mask—it’s a new normal lifestyle across the globe," ITF said in its next tweet.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RKS)

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