Under the aegis of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Department of Consumer Affairs has issued an order to regulate the production, quality, distribution, logistics of masks (2ply & 3ply surgical masks, N95 masks) and hand sanitizers (for COVID 19 management). The Central Government has conferred by sub-section (2) of section 2A, of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (10 of 1955), and issued an order may be called the Essential Commodities Order, 2020 which will remain in force for a period up to 30th June, 2020 from the issuing date of 13^th March 2020.This move is a result of the rise in demand for these products in the Indian.

In context to the same, Mr. Sandip Chhettri, COO, TradeIndia.com shares, “The core idea behind India’s Essential Commodities Act is to ensure delivery of those essential products —such as food stuff, drugs, fuel, etc. — the supply of which is obstructed by unethical business practices like hoarding and black-marketing. But ‘essentiality’ is a subjective concept, and at this time of the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19, masks and hand sanitizers have suddenly become more essential than anything else, here as well as globally. So, this is a timely decision by our government.    The move will benefit consumers, ensuring supply of genuine products at the right price. No doubt, producers will require some more time to meet the sudden spurt of demand of these products, particularly in certain pockets, but the solution is not far off. Demand must be met, but by genuine products at right price. We must protect customers from the evil of unethical price rise, hoarding and black-marketing.

He further added that, Genuine manufacturers will also benefit as the move will discourage counterfeiting.   News reports abound these days suggesting that victims across the globe have lost millions of dollars in the hands of frauds involving masks and sanitizers. Also, with the Corona-virus now present in 100 countries, some countries are stockpiling while some others have already banned exports of these products altogether. Our government must keep a close eye on this situation, and if required, may need to intervene to support domestic manufacturers and suppliers of this products, which are now essential than ever before.