NEWS BRIEFS Non Woven Fabrics for Medical Textiles in World Emergency By Deepak Agrawal Director, Sparkle Texfab Pvt Ltd Many health experts believe that the new strain of corona virus (COVID-19) likely originated in bats or pangolins. The first transmission to humans was in Wuhan, China. Since then, the virus has mostly spread through person-to-person contact. The Corona virus now has found its way to India and all around the World. While the world continues to find a cure for this deadly disease, Corona-19 virus outbreak has caused serious damage to human life all around the world. This is very critical condition in healthcare in every country. The risk of getting the corona virus from patients is pushing doctors to ask for better-quality protective gear, and adequate supply.
and viruses. They are considered the gold standard of respirator masks but are in short supply.
World has to Meet the Demand of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Fight From the Corona Virus (COVID-19) For everyone, PPE has become life saving jacket. So let’s have some idea how Non woven fabrics are playing a major role for making PPE and helping us to fight against COVID-19. PPE cost in India is very high and every doctor has to use it compulsorily while attending to a COVID-19 patient. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or other garment. Protective equipment may be worn for job-related occupational safety and PPE suits can be similar in appearance to a clean room suit. For this reason nonwoven fabrics have emerged rapidly as the fabrics of the future. There is a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) all over world. N95 masks are able to filter out at least 95% of very small (0.3 micron) particles from the air, including bacteria
throughout the fabric. Multiple layers can be combined to achieve desired strength, elongation and other mechanical properties. Porosity can be controlled by varying fiber diameter, fiber density, fiber orientation and additional mechanical processing. Nonwoven fabrics are used in medical field for surgical gowns, face masks, caps, pillow covers and bed spreads.
Non-woven materials are used in numerous applications, including: Nonwovens are used in various fields. Because of their low price they are often used in disposable products. Nonwoven fabric is a fabric-like material made from man made staple fiber (short) and long fibers (continuous long), bonded together by chemical, mechanical, heat or solvent treatment. Also, nonwovens may be a limited-life, single-use fabric or a very durable fabric. Fabric broadly defined as a sheet or web structure bonded together by entangling medical fibers or filaments (and by perforating films) mechanically, thermally or chemically. They are flat, porous sheets made directly from separate fibers or from molten plastic or plastic film. The fibers in a non-woven fabric may be oriented in one direction or randomly NCM-APRIL 2020 85
Medical Sector • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Isolation gowns surgical gowns surgical drapes and covers surgical masks surgical scrub suits caps medical packaging: porosity allows gas sterilization gloves shoe covers bath wipes wound dressings drug delivery plasters
The Coronavirus outbreak has caused a sudden surge in the global demand for surgical personal protective equipment.
NEWS BRIEFS All eyes would be searching for the next big thing in nonwovens. The huge gap between supply and demand globally has created great business opportunities for PPE kit and mask material. The next big business opportunity of the decade with the Corona virus situation expected to get worse, people who join the manufacturing set up and start producing face masks in bulk. It is very easy and convenient to become a manufacturer of surgical masks. The material required to manufacture face mask is easily available in the market at very attractive prices. Mostly face mask material is PP-based and uv treated.
Following are the details of the expert opinion expressed by Mr. Chirag Kalra - Managing director of Nikshe Multi Products and co-founder of The Slipper Factory. They are a leading Ahmedabad-based manufacturer of non woven PPE products catering to the medical field.
No Classification for Good in HSN:
“For India, the non-woven industry is at a very nascent stage and we are yet to ascertain the actual scalability of the Industry. For Medical applications, particular in India, we have very limited companies making these products. Also there is an extreme lack of general awareness amongst the masses and industry people on its application. Non-woven fabric was majorly linked to the Non-Woven Shopping bags. Unlike global economies where there is constant R&D happening at the base level and hence they are very much evolved.”
"The second problem which we realize is that there is no proper classification for products made from NonWoven fabric. Since the inception of GST, there has been a constant ambiguity amongst manufacturers on the classification of the products they make. The confusion is across the product range as the only clarification or classification given by the GST is on the Fabric i.e. 5603. This also creates a lot of problem when we look at exporting the goods. Some send their goods under Chapter 63 (Which clearly states that items manufactured from Chapter 56 i.e. technical textiles need not be considered under Chapter 63), while some send good under Chapter 39 which is for plastics."
Problems Being Faced:
Dependence on China for Machines:
"The authorities themselves are not aware about which products are to be used and where. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, majority of the buyers like institutional, governing authorities etc do not know that a 3-Ply Face Mask compulsorily needs to have a bacteria filter in the middle. There is very less awareness on the necessity of Melt Blown fabric. Whereas globally, even a retail buyer is informed that the 3-Ply Mask is the one having bacteria filter."
"One main reason for why we are lacking behind in the industry is also because we don’t have any major manufacturing company making converting machines. We are totally dependent on global companies mainly Chinese companies. The lack of local manufacturers at some levels restrains the domestic units to take risks and invest in newer technology or products." Certifications: "Due to the less general awareness NCM-APRIL 2020 86
amongst the users, there are no certifications asked by the governing authorities due to which a lot of manufacturers make the products in extreme unhygienic conditions. Unfortunately, the products which are to be used in extremely hygiene sensitive areas are manufactured at the most unhygienic places and supplied. As the products do not fall under any Governing authority, very less manufactures avail certifications which are a pre-requisite in the global market." “According to me, it is high time that the authorities take non-woven medical items under the supervision of FDCA (Food and Drug Controller Administration) and support in evolving the industry like China. We have all the resources available in India right from polymer, labour (as we have far more young labour than that In China), vast domestic market of more than 135 Crore people for consumption. The only thing which we need is Government’s interest in developing machines locally in India and creating awareness amongst the users. If we create facilities having global certifications, I am sure that we can see an emergence of a new employment generating sector for India. We can also import better quality products. It will boost up our foreign trade as well.” (Deepak Agrawal, Director, Sparkle Texfab Pvt Ltd.)
NEWS BRIEFS TUFS/ATUFS – Easing of Norms during post lockdown period on account of COVID -19 The Ministry of Textiles has issued Orders dated April 13, 2020 to modify the existing guidelines under the ATUFS and the previous versions of TUFS (MTUFS, R-TUFS & RR-TUFS) As per the Order – “Under ATUFS, entities can exercise an option for getting the JIT recommended subsidy released pending the scrutiny of the JIT reports by respective authorities, subject to submission of Bank Guarantee equivalent to amount of subsidy recommended by the JIT in its Report“. With regard to the previous versions of TUFS (MTUFS, R-TUFS and RRTUFS), as per the Order – “ The Subsidy accounts extending beyond March 31, 2021, for which claims have been filed by the banks along with necessary documents / information and where JIT has recommended the committed liability (IR or/ and CIS), the subsidy amount till December 31, 2019 recommended by JIT will be released subject to submission of Bank Guarantee equivalent to JIT recommended subsidy amount by the concerned account holder unit“. The key points of the Circular No. EPS/14/2020-21 dated April 13, 2020 of the Ministry of Textiles is reproduced below: No.6/512015-TUFS: The Revised Guidelines of ATUFS i.e. financial and operational parameters and implementation mechanism during its implementation period from 13.01.2016 to 31_03.2022 was notified vide Revised Resolution No. 6/512015-TUFS dated 02.08.2018.The following modifications are hereby notified in the said Revised Resolution with the approval of Competent Authority: The following para stands inserted at the end of Para 10.5.2,
`Entities can exercise an option for getting the JIT recommended subsidy released prior to scrutiny of the JIT reports by respective authorities as per delegated powers; subject to submission of Bank Guarantee equivalent to recommended subsidy. Bank Guarantee should be equivalent to the amount of subsidy recommended by the JIT in its repor t. The Bank Gurantee should be valid for one year (to be submitted within a month of its issue by bank) and extendable further, if required. Subsequently, the Bank Guarantee will be forfeited to the extent of excess payment made along with penal interest as applicable under the rules, in case the eligible subsidy amount approved for release after scrutiny of JIT report by respective authority works out to be lower than the amount recommended by the JIT'. This option will be available for 6 months from the date of issue of this Order. (Kumar Padmapani Bora) Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of India F No. 16015/01/2019-TUFS GoI, Ministry of Textiles OFFICE MEMORANDUM Subject: Implementation of the decision of Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee under Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS) for physical verification of machinery procured under previous versions of TUFS (MTUFS, RTUS & RRTUFS)- reg The undersigned is directed to refer to this Ministry's OM 16015/01/2019TUFS dated 14.06.2019 on the subject cited above circulating the detailed protocol for physical inspection of machinery procured under previous versions of TUFS (MTUFS, RTUFS and RRTUFS) and to convey the approval of competent authority for inserting following sub-para as para 2.3.5 (a) under Para 2.3.5 in the protocol: The subsidy accounts extending beNCM-APRIL 2020 87
yond 31 March 2021, for which claims have been filed by the banks along with necessary documents/information and where JIT has recommended the committed liability (IR or/and CIS), the subsidy amount till 31st December 2019 recommended by JIT will be released subject to submission of Bank Guarantee equivalent to JIT recommended subsidy amount by the concerned account holder unit through bank/lending agency, The Bank Guarantee should be valid for one year (to be submitted within a month of its issue by the bank) and extendable further, if required. In case the eligible subsidy amount approved for release after scrutiny of JIT report by respective authority works out to be lower than the amount recommended by the JIT, the excess payment made, if any, along with penal interest as applicable under the rules. will be adjusted from the eligible payment being released for the subsequent quarters beyond 31' December, 2019 or recovered by forfeiting the Bank Guarantee to the extent of excess payment made along with applicable penal interest'. This option will be available for 6 months from the date of issue of this OM. (Kumar Padmapani Bora) Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of India Instruction No. 03/2020-Customs F. No. 450/119/2017-Cus-IV Dated the 9th April, 2020 GoI, MoF, Department of Revenue (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs), New Delhi
Subject: Special Refund and Drawback Disposal Drive - Implementation of decision to expedite pending refund and drawback claims - reg. As you are aware, the CBIC has taken a number of measures to mitigate the hardship caused by the Covid-19 pandemic to the trade and industry and other stakeholders. These measures include 24x7 Customs functioning, single window helpdesk on the CBIC website, waiver of late fee for delays
NEWS BRIEFS in filing Bills of Entry, temporarily dispensing with submission of bonds, wherever required, etc. Continuing with these trade facilitation measures, it has now been decided that all pending Customs refund and drawback claims shall be expeditiously processed in order to provide immediate relief to the business entities, especially MSMEs, in these difficult times. This decision has been announced vide Press Note dated 08th April 2020 issued by the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. It is hereby instructed that starting with immediate effect there shall be a “Special Refund and Drawback Disposal Drive” with the objective of priority processing and disposal of all pending refund and drawback claims. This Special Drive shall be in place till 30.04.2020. It is expected that during this period all refund and drawback claims that are pending as on 07.04.2020 shall be disposed. The Principal Chief Commissioners/ Chief Commissioners shall monitor the performance on this front closely on a daily basis and, wherever required, suitably guide the officers concerned to maximize the disposal. As aforestated, the focus on refunds and drawback is aimed at providing immediate relief to the business entities, especially MSMEs, which makes it an imperative to ensure that there are no delays.
In this regard, the following may kindly be taken note of: a. Though the decision to process pending refund claims has been taken with a view to provide immediate relief to the taxpayers, due diligence is to be done before granting the refunds and drawback. All the relevant legal provisions, notifications, circulars and instructions must be followed while processing these claims. b. For facilitation of exporters, all communication should be done over email, wherever email id of the applicant is available.
Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue New Delhi, the 08th April, 2020 PRESS NOTE In the context of the COV1D-19 situation and with a view to provide immediate relief to the business entities and individuals, it has been decided to issue all the pending income-tax refunds up to Rs. 5 Iakh, immediately. This would benefit around 14 lakh taxpayers. It has also been decided to issue all pending GST and Custom refunds which would provide benefit to around 1 lakh business entities, in MSME. Thus, the total refund granted will be approximately Rs. 18,000 crore. c. All deficiency memos may be reviewed and refund / drawback may be considered on merit. It is urged that in these difficult times all officers concerned make special efforts to liquidate the pending refund and drawback claims by 30.04.2020 and make the Special Drive a grand success. (Vimal Kumar Srivastava) Joint Secretary (Customs)
2nd ITMF-Survey about the Impact of the CoronaPandemic on the Global Textile Industry Between March 28-April 6, 2020, ITMF has conducted a second survey among ITMF Members and affiliated companies and associations about the impact the Corona-pandemic on the global textile value chain, especially on current orders and expected turnover in 2020. In total 700 companies from around the world participated. Worldwide, current orders are down by -31% on average The results show that companies in all regions of the world suffered significant numbers of cancellations and/or postponements of orders. Globally, current orders dropped by -31% on average. The severity of the decrease ranges from -20.0% in East Asia to -41% in South America.
Worldwide, expected turnover 2020 vs. 2019 is down by -28% on average The results show that companies in all regions of the world are expecting their turnovers in 2020 to be significantly lower than in 2019. On world average, the turnover in 2020 is expected to be -28% lower than in 2019. While in South Asia the expected turnover will fall by -15%, companies in Africa are expecting a drop of -45%. Only three weeks ago, some regions were not fully affected by the Coronapandemic. The new numbers on orders and turnover reveal the dramatic extent this demand shock has on the textile industry around the world. The uncertainty about the duration of the crisis weighs heavily on the industry. Challenges: Lack of demand and liquidity – Opportunities: Medical textile products
Companies around the world highlighted the following main challenges: • •
lack of current demand and/or fear that future demand will drop significantly lack of liquidity
They mentioned the following main opportunities: •
companies producing fibres, yarns, fabrics and end-products with health care and protection functions will see new opportunities.
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NEWS BRIEFS ColorJet Launches Initiative Encouraging Printing Industry to Contribute for PM Cares Fund ColorJet launches initiative to encourage industry to help fight against COVID-19 ColorJet initiates with a contribution of Rs 5 Lakhs to PM Cares Fund Initiative sees successful response from industry partners across the globe In response to the honourable Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s call to donate to the PM Cares Fund, to help fight the Covid-19 menace, wide format inkjet digital printer manufacturer Colorjet Group, has started a campaign to help the government by encouraging its associates, customers and industry partners to contribute to the fund.
ing in from industry partners in UAE, USA, Japan, etc. ColorJet is reaching out to its associates, partners and customers in the inkjet printing industry through conference calls, emails and social media. “ColorJet being an industry leader has been playing a proactive part in the fight against the Corona Virus pandemic. At the onset of this outbreak, we took several initiatives to protect our employees by maintaining social distancing and regular sanitisation. We decided to launch this campaign to moti-
“People from all walks of life expressed their desire to donate to India’s war against COVID-19. Respecting that spirit, the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund has been constituted. This will go a long way in creating a healthier India. Kindly contribute to the PM-CARES Fund,” PM Modi had said while launching the fund. To kick off this initiative, ColorJet has donated INR 500,000 to the PM Cares Fund and has also created a dedicated page to donate on the ColorJet website. All contributions get directly transferred to the PM Cares Fund, with ColorJet acting only as an intermediate. ColorJet will also be giving certificates of appreciation to all donors. ColorJet has set a goal to generate contributions amounting to INR 2.5 million and till date the donations have totalled INR 725,816 received from 118 donors, with donations also pourNCM-APRIL 2020 89
NEWS BRIEFS vate all our industry partners to donate generously for this cause. Only by coming together, we will be able to fight through these difficult andunimaginable times,” Mr Smarth Bansal, DGM-Product & Brand at ColorJet said. “The ongoing COVID-19 crisis is making an unprecedented impact on the world and it is not going to pass in a hurry and it will take its time and toll on us. At this time, when the society is facing such an immense crisis, whatever individual efforts we put is good, but by coming together, our collective synergy can help overcome this crisis better. We are constantly monitoring the situation and would be ready to cooperate with the government in any capacity to help fight this pandemic,” Mr Madhu Sudan Dadu, Chairman at ColorJet added.
"Let us show the world - India can do Commerce with Compassion": Textile Minister's Video appeal to Apparel Buyers Government stands shoulder to shoulder with our apparel industry. My appeal to Buying Houses & Buyers with folded hands is that pleasee do not cancel a single order. Delivering schedules can be reworked; Payment plans can be extended.
Play Video
To contribute please visit: www.colorjetgroup.com/covid19
CAI maintains its cotton crop estimate for 2019-20 season at 354.50 lakh bales Cotton Association of India (CAI) has released its March estimate of the cotton crop for the season 2019-20 beginning from 1st October 2019. The CAI has retained its cotton crop estimate for 2019-20 at 354.50 lakh bales of 170 kgs. each i.e. at the same level as in the previous estimate. A statement containing the State-wise estimate of the cotton crop and the balance sheet as on 30th September 2020 drawn by the Crop Committee of the CAI with the corresponding data for 2018-19 crop year are made available. The total cotton supply estimated by the CAI during the months of October 2019 to March 2020 is 327.53 lakh bales of 170 kgs. each which consists of the arrivals of 283.03 lakh bales upto 31st March 2020, imports of 12.50 lakh bales upto 31st March
India has always believed in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam which means "the world is one family". And there's been no such time in human history that this concept has been tested and found to be true. Now, the world is engulfed in Corona virus, and our fight against it will be a testament to humanity. Today I appeal to the buying houses - the buyers of the Indian textile and apparel industry. For years you have enjoyed the craftsmanship of our textile industry. Our Prime Minister has recently announced measures to protect the rights and wages of our workers. Today, I appeal to you to stand together. Let's show the world that we can do commerce with compassion. Do not cancel a single order that has been placed. Delivery schedules can be reworked and/or payment plans can be extended. Let us decide to work together. Let's give the world an example that we can do commerce with compassion. The Ministry of textiles and the government of India will stand shoulder to shoulder with the apparel industry. In these times of challenges, I appeal to you yet again. Help us do commerce with compassion. Contact details: Sanjeev Nandwani The Secretary General Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) Mobile: +91 9432587481 Email: sg@aepcindia.com
Additionally, you can reach out to Ms. Jyoti Kaur +91 9910169994 Email: asg@aepcindia.com NCM-APRIL 2020 90
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Extension of Scheme of Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies on Export of Garments and Made-ups (RoSCTL) F.No.12015/11/2020TTP. In pursuance of the decision of the Government of India to rebate all embedded State and Central Taxes and Levies on export of garments and made-ups to enhance competitiveness of these sectors, the Ministry of Textiles vide notification No. 14/26/2016-IT (Vol.II) dated 07.03.2019
notified the Scheme for Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) which was in force up to 31.03.2020. The Government has decided to continue the said Scheme w.e.f. 01.04.2020 until such time that the RoSCTL Scheme is merged with Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme without any change in Scheme guidelines and rates as notified vide Ministry of Textiles’ Notification Nos. 14/26/2016-IT (Vol.II) dated 7.3.2019 and 14/26/2016-IT (Vol.II) dated 8.3.2019 respectively.
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NEWS BRIEFS 2020 and the opening stock estimated by the CAI at 32.00 lakh bales at the beginning of the season.
Highlights of deliberations of the crop committee of cotton association of india on 4th april 2020
Further, the CAI has estimated cotton consumption during the months of October 2019 to March 2020 at 154.00 lakh bales of 170 kgs. each while the export shipment of cotton estimated by the CAI upto 31st March 2020 is 31.00 lakh bales of 170 kgs. each. Stock at the end of March 2020 is estimated by the CAI at 142.53 lakh bales including 34.00 lakh bales with textile mills and the remaining 108.53 lakh bales with CCI and others (MNCs, Traders, Ginners, etc.).
Crop Committee of Cotton Association of India (CAI) has arrived at its March estimate of the cotton crop for the 2019-20 season beginning on 1st October 2019 and drew estimated cotton balance sheet based on the data available from various trade sources, upcountry associations and other stakeholders.
There is no change in the yearly Balance Sheet projected by the CAI and the Crop Committee of the Association has estimated total cotton supply till end of the cotton season i.e. upto 30th September 2020 at 411.50 lakh bales of 170 kgs. each (i.e. at the same level as estimated in the previous month). Total cotton supply consists of the Opening Stock of 32.00 lakh bales at the beginning of the cotton season on 1st October 2019, crop for the season estimated at 354.50 lakh bales and imports estimated by the CAI at 25.00 lakh bales, which are lower by 7.00 lakh bales compared to the previous years estimate of 32.00 lakh bales. Domestic consumption estimated by the CAI for the entire crop year i.e. upto 30th September 2020 is 331 lakh bales i.e. at the same level as estimated by the Cotton Advisory Board in their meeting held on 28th November 2019. The CAI has estimated exports for the season at 42 lakh bales i.e. at the same level as estimated in the previous year. The carryover stock estimated at the end of the season is 38.50 lakh bales. The Committee has decided to meet in the first week of May 2020 to take stock of the situation arising on account of the unprecedented crisis of COVID-19 Pandemic and consider changes if any to be made in the Cotton Balance Sheet for the Season.
The following are the highlights of the deliberations of Crop Committee of Cotton association of India: 1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
The cotton crop estimate for the season 2019-20 is retained by the CAI at 354.50 lakh bales i.e. at the same level as estimated by it in the previous month and there are no changes in the state-wise crop figures estimated now compared to the previous month except for Haryana whose cotton crop estimate for the Season has been reduced by 1 lakh bales of 170 kgs. each and Lower Rajasthan whose cotton crop estimate for the Season has been increased by 1 lakh bales of 170 kgs. each. There is no change in the projection of cotton export for the season and it is retained at 42 lakh bales as estimated by the CAI previously. There is no change in the projection of import of cotton and it is also retained at the same level i.e. 25 lakh bales as estimated by the CAI previously. The import figure is lower by 7.00 lakh bales compared to that estimated for the last year. The yearly consumption is estimated by the CAI at 331 lakh bales i,e. same as estimated by the Cotton Advisory Board at its meeting held on 28th November 2019. The Committee has, however, decided to meet during the first week NCM-APRIL 2020 92
of May 2020 to take stock of the situation arising on account of the unprecedented crisis of COVID19 Pandemic and to assess changes if any to be made in the cotton balance sheet for the season. 6) Indian cotton arrivals during the months of October 2019 to March 2020 are estimated at 283.03 lakh bales of 170 kgs. each which are equivalent to 300.72 lakh running bales of 160 kgs. each. 7)
Shipment of imports from 1st October 2019 to 31 March 2020 which have reached Indian Ports are estimated at 12.50 lakh bales while balance 12.50 lakh bales are estimated to arrive Indian Ports during the period from 1st April 2020 to 30th September 2020 (total imports estimated during the entire season are 25 lakh bales).
8)
Cotton export shipments from 1st October 2019 to 31st March 2020 which have already been shipped are estimated at 31.00 lakh bales while balance 11.00 lakh bales are expected to be shipped during the period from 1st April 2020 to 30th September 2020 (total exports estimated during the entire season are 42 lakh bales).
9)
Consumption by Indian spinning mills for 6 months i.e. from 1st October 2019 to 31st March 2020 is estimated at 154.00 lakh bales which are equivalent to 163.62 lakh running bales of 160 kgs. each.
10) Cotton stock held by mills in their godowns on 31st March 2020 is estimated at 34.00 lakh bales (equivalent to 36.13 lakh running bales of 160 kgs. each). Mills have on an average 40 days cotton stock in their godowns. 11) CCI, MNCs, Ginners and MCX are estimated to have stock of about 108.53 lakh bales as on 31st March 2020 which is equal
NEWS BRIEFS
LABORATORY First ISO 9001: 2008 Lab in Ahmedabad For Your Yarn, Fabric, Garment, Dyes, Chemicals & Auxilliaries Testing needs. A/309, Ghantakaran Market, B/s. New Cloth Market, Sarangpur, Ahmedabad-380002. Ph. : (O) 22142128 (M) 98247 39293 E-mail : jyotilab4010@rediffmail.com
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NEWS BRIEFS to about 115.31 lakh running bales of 160 kgs. each. 12) Thus, total stock held by spinning mills and stockists on 31st March 2020 is estimated at 142.53 lakh bales of 170 kgs. each which is equal to about 151.44 lakh running bales of 160 kgs. each. 13) Closing stock as on 30th September 2020 is estimated by the Committee at 38.50 lakh bales of 170 kgs. each which is equivalent to 40.90 lakh running bales of 160 kgs. each. 14) Due to lockdown, meeting of the CAI Crop Committee has taken place on WhatsApp and more than 20 Members participated. 15) Due to lockdown, cotton consumption by Indian Mills, cotton exports from India and cotton Imports into India as well as carry forward stock will get changed in the cotton balance sheet for 2019-20. The CAI Crop Committee will review the same at its next meeting.
Joint Press Brief on Supply of Body Coveralls (Personal Protective Equipment) Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, & Ministry of Textiles N-95 Masks, and 2-ply/3-ply Surgical Masks for healthcare professionals to combat COVID-19 cases. It is unfortunate that certain sections of the media are spreading misinformation on the efforts of the Government in augmenting the supplies of Body Coveralls, N-95 Masks, and 2-ply/3-ply Surgical Masks required for healthcare professionals dealing COVID-19 cases. Since Body Coveralls (PPE) is a specialized protective suit meant for high level of protection to the health professionals, it has stringent technical requirements as prescribed by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Over the last 45 days, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Ministry of Textiles are attempting to locate adequate number of sources who can produce and supply the requirement of Body Coveralls for the government. During the last week of January 2020, the technical standard for the Coveralls was prescribed as per WHO class3 exposure pressure in accordance with ISO 16003 or its equivalent. Such materials are manufactured by a few international companies, who expressed their inability to supply on account of a complete glut in stocks and ban of exports by the source countries.
Balance Sheet of 6 months i.e. from 1.10.2019 to 31.03.2020 for the season 2019-20
Only a limited quantity was offered and procured by the procurement organization of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Starting from 30th January, wide outreach has been attempted through various meetings and interactions with the Chambers of Commerce various Textiles AssoNCM-APRIL 2020 94
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NEWS BRIEFS Cotton Association Of India Indian Cotton Crop Estimate For The Season 2018-19 And 2019-20 Estimated as on 31st March 2020
ciations, medical textiles manufacturers and suppliers; in inviting a higher participation of the such manufacturers having adequate capacity to partner with the government and offer their proto-types for testing. M/s HLL Lifecare Limited is the designated single-window procurement agency for the hospitals and healthcare organisations under
the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India. Five indigenous manufacturers came forward and offered fabric proto-types for testing at the accredited laboratory of South India Textiles research association (SITRA) at Coimbatore. All these attempts were directed at indigenous development of manufacturing sources as interna-
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Trade Enquiry for Recycle Cotton Combed Yarn 'THREE LIGHTS' are traders and commission agents for all kind of yarns for almost 40 years and are representatives for many companies from different parts of the world as their sole agents. The Company has expressed interest in Recycle Cotton Combed Yarn for Sri Lankan market. Those interested may contact Mr. Mohamed Nasir. THREE LIGHTS #NO. 51-53, Bank Shall Street, Level 04, Mallship Towers, Colombo 11. Sri Lanka Tel.: : 0094 112 393 726 Mobile: +94 77 3 111 459/ +94 71 2 729 185 Email: naser3lightss@hotmail.com
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NEWS BRIEFS tional supplies could not be possible. The testing was done at SITRA between 2nd February to 25th February 2020, and the results of the fabric samples were referred to the technical experts to consider and decide on the technical requirements for COVID19, considering the information on nature and characteristics of SARSCOVID-2 virus known by to the medical experts. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare finalised the technical requirement on 2nd March 2020, based on the indigenous availability of materials and the technical requirement for a high level of protection of the healthcare professionals who would deal with the COVID-19 cases, in consultation with medical experts in the field. The specification was published on the official website of HLL Lifecare Ltd on 5th March 2020, inviting manufacturers having adequate capability to participate in the procurement process. So far, proto type garments of six Indian manufacturers have passed the prescribed tests conducted at SITRA, and two more manufacturers are forthcoming as on date. In addition, more and more manufacturers have been invited to offer their proto type samples, and come forward to meet the requirement of the government. It is for information of all that the technical specification, prices, and quantity required are published on the official website of HLL Lifecare Limited (www.lifecarehll.com) and every potential manufacturer in the country is invited to participate in the endeavour of the government. The supply of Body Coveralls from indigenous manufacturers according the MoH&FW’s revised technical requirement dated 2nd March 2020, has already commenced. Further, in order to maintain a strong reserve of these essential medical products; Government has issued orders banning of exports on all personal protective equipment including Body Coveralls, N-95 Masks, 2-ply/3-ply Surgical Masks on 31st January 2020.
Editor's Note: No further information about this product is available anywhere on the official website of the KVIC, the home page of which says: "Page Last Updated on 18 February, 2020." On request from the industry, and on the assurance that adequate supply of 2-ply/3-ply Surgical Masks at reasonable prices would be ensured, Government lifted the ban on exports of Surgical Masks on 8th February. However, the ban on exports was re-imposed on 19th March 2020, on all 2-ply/3-ply Surgical Masks and the raw materials required for manufacture of such products. The export ban on Body Coveralls and N-95 Masks has since been in force since 31st January 2020, a fact in contravention to the misleading information published in the media. It is assured that Ministry of Health & family Welfare, Department of Pharmaceuticals, and Ministry of Textiles are continuously working with various industry bodies, stakeholders and manufacturers on 24x7 basis, to streamline the supply chain, remove bottlenecks and maintain a steady supply of all materials required for the healthcare professionals.
List of Fabric Manufacturers as on 06.04.2020 As intimated by The South India Textile Research Association(SITRA), Fabric samples of following entity has been tested and passed Synthetic Blood Penetration Test (ASTM F1670/F 1670M-08(2014) .This is strictly for information purpose. NCM-APRIL 2020 98
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Name
Location
Contact No.
1.
Surya Tex Tech
Himachal Pradesh
8968534368
3 4
Loyal Textile Mills Shiva Texyarn
Chennai Coimbatore
9841733135 7358999691
5 6
Greenbybags Amba Techutex
Tirupur Coimbatore
9965572347 9788852067
7 8
PSGTECHS Ritelam Textiles
Coimbatore Coimbatore
9894705835 9894331549
9 10
Navyag Laminates Coatex
Ludhiana Coimbatore
9779677887 9965844544
11 12
Fine Non woven Saastha Textiles
Hyderbad Coimbatore
9440807161 9843072346
13 14
Seyyon Polyfabs Qualiance
Erode Tirupur
9788771333 8248764479
15 16
Keerthi Packaging Ginni
Sivakasi Ankeleshwar
9600488693 9717340590
17 18
Bonafab Ktex Nonwoven
Coimbatore Rajkot
9677942424 9820322055
F.No 8/4/2020-R&D Ministry of Textiles Dtd 6th April 2020 Some instances have come to the notice of this Ministry, where Manufacturers/Suppliers whose proto-type samples for Body Coveralls for COVID-19 have failed laboratory tests, are still supplying their Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Body Coveralls in the market. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt of India, has published a Comprehensive Guideline for Personal Protection Equipment for COVID-19. Since March 2020, the indigenous development of Manufacturers of Body Coveralls has been based on the MoH&FW's guidelines published on 2nd March 2020.
As of now, there are two laboratories in the country which have the facilities as well as necessary approvals, for conducting tests on Body Coveralls (PPE) required for COVID-19. These are: South India Textiles Research Association (SITRA), Coimbatore; and Defence Research & Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior. The Tests and Certifications of Body Coveralls (PPE) conducted at these two laboratories in India are the only officially recognized ones. In order to ensure that quality and safety standards of Body Coveralls are maintained consistently, as required in terms
of Guidelines of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India for COVID-19, the following instructions are issued for compliance:
1. For each test conducted at SITRA in respect of a fabric and the PPE garments, for which proto-type samples are sent by the respective manufacturers, SITRA will generate a Unique Certification Code (UCC-COVID 19). This code should keep records of the type of fabric, type of garment, and its date of testing, testing standard, and other relevant particulars. SITRA will preserve the test sample in sealed condition in its custody for any future reference by a government agency. The Certification should have a fixed validation period in consistency with international norms. SITRA will issue such procedure even in respect of the proto-type samples tested since March 2020 and onwards. 2. Similar procedure as in Para 1 above, may be followed by DRDE, Gwalior. 3. The PPE Garment (Body Coveralls for COVID-19) manufacturer will manufacture Coveralls in acNCM-APRIL 2020 100
cordance with the materials and workmanship as per the tested and certified prototype sample, which is linked with the UCC-COVID 19. Any change in component of prototype shall require a new test and certification and generation of a new Code. 4. The PPE (Body Coverall for COVID-19) garment manufacturer will either print in indelible ink, or stick a tamper-proof sticker, on the body of the garment on the inside of the PPE with the following particulars; (i) Name of Manufacturer (ii) SITRA/DRDE Unique Certification Code (UCC) (iii) Test Standard (iv) Date of Mfg/Batch Number (v) [Order: HLL Life Care Ltd] if the material is supplied to HLL life care. State Government and other bulk procurement agencies may insist on similar requirement if they desire so. This (v) may not be mandatory for retail orders.
5. M/s HLL Lifecare Limited will devise a sampling plan with regard to the frequency of test sample collection from the lots which are supplied progressively by the Manufacturer. The randomly collected test samples may be periodically sent to SITRA or DRDE for tests, as the case may be. Further action regarding acceptance procedure etc. may be devised by HLL Lifecare. Other State/ Central Government agencies may also device random sample collection protocol and quality assurance plan. The quality control and assurance plan may be well publicised and informed to all suppliers in writing. This procedure may be implemented with immediate effect. SITRA/DRDE may generate the Codes on immediate basis for information of the certified Body Coverall manufacturers, and HLL Lifecare. Nihar Ranjan Dash Joint Secretary
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NEWS BRIEFS PU Based Water Proofing Agent with High Water Column from Sarex (Contd. From Page 36) The first step of this reaction results in the chemical linking of the two molecules leaving a reactive alcohol (OH) on one side and a reactive isocyanate (NCO) on the other. These groups react further with other monomers to form a larger, longer molecule. This is a rapid process which yields high molecular weight materials even at room temperature. Materials and Method
Application process Pre-impregnation of fabric with fluorocarbon is recommended before coating to avoid penetration of coating. Predetermined quantity of FabcoatWB was taken depending on the addon required and was coated on the fluorocarbon treated fabric using a lab coater using knife on air technique. The samples were coated once or twice depending on the add-on required, dried at 120oC for 2 min and cured at 160oC for 3min. For double and triple coatings, drying was carried out after each application of the coating, while the curing was carried out in the end (i.e. after drying the last coating). Test Methods
Water Resistance: Hydrostatic Pressure Test (Test Method: ISO 811:1981) A specimen is subjected to a steadily increasing pressure of water on one face, under standard conditions, until penetration occurs in three places. The water pressure may be applied from below or from above the test specimen. The hydrostatic head supported by a fabric is a measure of the resistance to the passage of water through the fabric.
Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate (MVTR): Test Method (ASTM E96) This test was conducted in a wind tunnel which is housed in an environ-
Table 1: Water Resistance and MVTR test results of coated fabrics Sr. Sample No. Code
Sample Description
1 2
Untreated Treated
White Nylon White Nylon
10
34 523.05
1250 450
3 4
Untreated Treated
Brown PET Brown PET
20
0 2005
1380 212
5 6
Untreated Treated
Black PET Black PET
15
0 1701.95
1684 320
7 8
Untreated Treated
Navy Blue Nylon Navy Blue Nylon
15
59.7 1827.85
1303 257
9 10
Untreated Treated
Grey PET Grey PET
18
0 1800.4
1312 337
mental chamber. The air temperature in the chamber was 23±0.5°C, and the dew point temperature was 12±1°C (50% relative humidity). The air velocity in the wind tunnel is 2.8±0.25 m/s. Six circular specimens of 7.4 cm diameter were cut from the fabric. Each specimen was placed on a 155 ml aluminum cup that was filled with 100 ml of distilled water, covered with a gasket, and then clamped. Coated fabrics were placed with the coated side facing the water in the cup. Each cup was first weighed to the nearest 0.001g and then placed inside the wind tunnel. Subsequent weighing were made at 3, 6, 9, 13, 23, 26, and 30 hours after placement in the chamber. The moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) was calculated using the following formula, where G = weight change (g), t = time during which G occurred, G/t = slope of the straight line for weight loss per unit time (g/h), and A = test area (m²).
Results & Discussion Treated samples were evaluated for
Add-on Mean (cm (GSM) water/min)
water resistance by hydrostatic test and breathability by moisture vapor transport rate (MVTR) at Wool Research Association, Mumbai and the results are collated in Table 1. From Table 1 it is evident that unfinished fabric does not show any resistance to water and allows the water to pass easily while fabric treated with Fabcoat-WB shows higher water resistance as compared to unfinished fabric. Also, it is seen that, higher the add-on, better is the water resistance of the fabric. The other parameter which is tested here is breathability. “Breathability” is the measurement of the amount of moisture vapor transported through the fabric, into the atmosphere. From the above results it is also clear that higher the add-on of the polymer lower is the breathability of the fabric which can be seen in the above table. The unfinished fabric shows higher MVTR while the coated fabric shows lower MVTR, this is because on coating, the pores of the fabrics get blocked and thus does not allow the air or moisture to pass through it.
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MVTR (g/ m2/24hr)
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