Sri Lanka’s Role in PPE Export

Amid the global crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, well-established apparel exporters in Sri Lanka quickly adapted to meet the surging demand for personal protective equipment (PPE). With a strong foundation in textile manufacturing that generated over $5.7 billion from apparel exports in 2019, the country strategically transitioned to PPE production. This shift was driven by receiving orders worth over $500 million, with expectations to exceed the $1 billion mark soon. 

Types of PPE that Sri Lanka manufactures and exports

According to Expert Market Research, the global PPE market is thriving, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% from US$72.51 billion in 2023 to US$119.42 billion by 2032. PPE is part of Sri Lanka’s apparel export market, which reached a value of US$4.864 million in 2023 according to the Sri Lanka Export Development Board. As Sri Lanka embraced its new role as a key player in the global PPE market, local manufacturers expanded their production lines to include a wide array of essential PPE kits. Here's a look at the types of PPE that Sri Lanka's apparel suppliers are producing for healthcare and other industries:

Hospital and medical PPE 

• Reusable face masks
• 3-ply surgical masks
• N-95 respirators
• KN95 face masks
• Washable and reusable cloth face masks
• Safety gloves
• Medical gloves
• Specialised surgical gloves

Work safety equipment

• PPE gowns
• Aprons
• Coveralls
• Protective hoods
• Safety boots

Key markets and strategic partnerships for PPE exports in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has significantly ramped up its position in the global PPE market size by strategically targeting key export destinations such as the U.S., Europe, and Asia. According to the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, the apparel sector, which accounts for 41% of Sri Lanka's total exports, has seen substantial engagement with top countries like the US, UK, Italy, and Germany. These nations not only offer large markets for PPE export but also present opportunities for deepening trade relations.

A pivotal moment in leveraging these opportunities was Sri Lanka’s strategic collaboration with the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. This partnership, facilitated by the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), was aimed at enhancing Sri Lanka's capabilities to meet the urgent demand for PPE in the U.S. market. Funded by the United States Agency for International Development and implemented by Deloitte Consulting, this initiative featured comprehensive training through webinars designed to prepare local manufacturers for international compliance and trade.

Regulatory and compliance standards for safety equipment manufacturers

As Sri Lanka's PPE manufacturing sector scales up to meet global demand, adherence to international quality standards is crucial for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of its products. PPE manufacturers in Sri Lanka are required to comply with a variety of stringent regulations and standards, which govern everything from material selection to final product functionality.

Workplace safety standards

• OSHA Regulations: Mandate comprehensive safety guidelines across various PPE categories including eye, face, respiratory, and hand protection.
• NIOSH Certifications: Validate the effectiveness of respirators and similar PPE against specific hazards, ensuring robust performance under stringent conditions.

Performance and design standards

• ANSI Standards: Govern the materials, design, and performance specifications for PPE, ensuring that products are fit for purpose.
• ISO Standards: Provide global benchmarks for quality across various PPE forms, including protective clothing and respiratory equipment.

Health and environmental compliance

• CE Marking: Certifies that PPE meets the health, safety, and environmental protection standards for sale within the European Union.
• FDA Regulations: Regulate specific types of PPE like medical gloves and surgical masks in the U.S., focusing on safety and efficacy for medical use.

With these rigorous international standards in place, Sri Lanka’s PPE manufacturers are well-equipped to face the challenges of scaling production while maintaining the highest levels of quality and safety.

Navigating challenges and embracing opportunities in manufacturing PPE

Sri Lanka's PPE manufacturing sector faces several significant challenges that affect its efficiency and output. Key among these is the shortages of essential raw materials such as plastics, rubber, and metals, often exacerbated by global supply chain disruptions. These disruptions, driven by factors like geopolitical tensions and transportation delays, complicate the steady supply of necessary components for PPE production.

To tackle these challenges, many personal protective equipment suppliers are turning to cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices to boost their production capabilities and product quality. Investments in advanced materials like graphene and automated manufacturing processes are key — enhancing the efficiency, durability, and safety of PPE kits.

Manufacturers are also prioritising sustainability by reducing waste, cutting energy consumption, and adopting renewable energy sources, aligning with global trends towards environmentally friendly production.

Moreover, ongoing innovation is vital for adapting to the changing needs of the PPE market. Continuous research and development have led to new PPE solutions, like integrating nanotechnology in fabric production, which offers enhanced protection while increasing comfort.

Leveraging DHL Express for PPE export

In the critical field of PPE manufacturing and distribution, understanding the HS code for safety equipment exports is pivotal for accurate customs declarations. Partnering with a logistics provider like DHL Express, not only assists with these classifications but also specialises in the expert handling and shipping of sensitive medical products. This in turn, significantly streamlines the export process.

DHL Express provides robust support for navigating complex international shipping regulations, ensuring that each item is treated with the utmost care from pickup to delivery. With an extensive global network, DHL Express offers the assurance of timely and efficient delivery to global destinations, a crucial advantage for meeting the urgent demands of the global health markets and ensuring the integrity of time-sensitive medical supplies.

Open a DHL Express business account today to streamline the global shipping of your PPE exports.