The European Union (EU) initially introduced export authorisation scheme for personal protective equipment (PPE) on March 15, 2020 to ensure an adequate supply of these products in the EU during the coronavirus crisis. In order to adapt to the actual needs, on April 24, 2020, the European Commission published Regulation (EU) 2020/568:
- This Regulation reduces the list of products that require export authorisation to masks, spectacles, and protective garments;
- It extends the geographical exception to include the Western Balkans; and
- It requires Member States to swiftly grant authorisations for exports for humanitarian purposes.
The measures entered into force on April 26, 2020 and will remain in effect for 30 days.
Link to the Regulation:
Link to the European Commission press release: https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cfm?id=2139
