Indian syringe makers get a reprieve from govt embargo on exports

New Delhi: The All India Syringe & Needle Manufacturers Association (AISNMA) has expressed happiness at the strategic move by the government, clarifying the notification issued on 4th October that there is no export ban on syringes in general but only a quantitative restriction on the export of certain type of specified syringes, for a limited duration of 3 months only.

The three categories are 0.5 ml/ 1ml AD (auto–disable) syringes, 0.5 ml/1 ml/2 ml/3 ml disposable syringes and 1ml/2 ml/3 ml RUP (re-use prevention) syringes.

“So the syringes that are not used for Covid vaccination like Insulin Syringes, 0.3 ML, 5 ML and larger sizes of 10 ML, 20 ML & 50 ML etc will be allowed to be exported. This is definitely going to be a relief for India’s International Buyers and will majorly help to maintain India’s reputation as credible global supplier & our relationship built over the years with them,” said Rajiv Nath, President of AISNMA – the All India Syringes & Needles Manufacturers Association.

AISNMA members also hope that the Syringes used for Children vaccination / immunization programmes may be continued to be allowed for exports as requested by UN Organizations to our Members and to the Govt. of India under the monthly quantitative restrictions as India cannot deprive those children from those immunization commitments.

The DGFT on 4th October had issued a notification saying that the export policy for syringes with or without needles has been amended from “free” to “restricted”. All India Syringe and Needle Manufacturers Association on Tuesday expressing disappointment over the decision urged the government to reconsider the notification highlighting how India’s reputation as credible global supplier & Manufacturing Hub of Syringes will be tarnished as being undependable.

“To ensure there is no shortage of syringes, on a voluntary basis the members of AISNMA in the last quarter and presently as well are not accepting new business export opportunities from many overseas buyers.,” said Rajiv Nath.

“While the supply chain is currently challenged due to peak season demand for Dengue & Typhoid which are the priority needs as we can’t afford any shortages in the Country in curative healthcare delivery we hope that the market demand will ease in November beginning / middle, as is usually the case every year and then our Members will be augment further supplies for the vaccination program so that India can go back to their pre-covid lives as before,” said Mr Vimal Khemka, General Secretary of AiSNMA .