European edict gives Britain ‘no choice’ over ban on PPE exports

BRITAIN has imposed a ban on the sale of personal protective equipment (PPE) to countries outside of the European Union as a result of a rule drawn up in Brussels.

An EU regulation that has quietly become law in the UK effectively bans the export of equipment such as masks, gowns and visors to non-EU countries other than to provide “humanitarian aid”. The regulation is embarrassing for ministers, who have criticised other countries for imposing export bans on PPE during a global shortage of the protective clothing being used to shield medics from Covid-19.

The Government has insisted reciprocal trade is needed with countries such as China, but has been left with “no choice” but to accept the rule under the terms of the Brexit transition period, which is due to end on Dec 31.

Last month Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary, used an article in Sunday Telegraph to warn countries against “damaging protectionism.” “The Prime Minister, Trade Secretary and I are pressing the G7 and G20 groups of major economies to keep trade routes open,” he said.

But under the temporary measure, British firms must obtain a “PPE export licence” for countries outside of the EU and European Free Trade Association.

The rule was first introduced in March, without fanfare in the UK, before being extended for 30 days last Sunday. A statement on the Department of Health website says that on top of humanitarian aid, “DHSC will only grant a licence where the proposed consignment poses no threat to the availability of PPE in the UK or in the EU, and satisfies a legitimate need for official or professional medical use in the country concerned.”

A Government spokesman said: “Coronavirus demonstrates the importance of keeping trade flowing and building diverse supply chains that are robust in a crisis.“

‘The rule is embarrassing for ministers who have criticised other countries during the global shortage’