Centre Curbs Export Of Covid Rapid Antigen Test Kits Over Third Wave Concerns

The restrictions are aimed at increasing the domestic availability of the kits as several experts have been warning of a possible third wave of the pandemic.

The government on Monday imposed restrictions on the export of Covid rapid antigen testing kits amid several experts warning of a possible third wave of the coronavirus pandemic. "The export of COVID-19 rapid antigen testing kits... has been put under the restricted category, with immediate effect," the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) said in a notification. Exporters have to seek a licence or permission from the DGFT for shipping items under the restricted category. Such restrictions are aimed at increasing the domestic availability of the kits. Several experts have been warning of a possible third wave of the pandemic in the future.