Expansion of Humanitarian Overseas Mask Support... Export Restrictions Maintained (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] To overcome the global spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the government has decided to expand overseas support of domestically produced masks for humanitarian purposes.

On the morning of the same day, Lee Ui-kyung, Commissioner of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, said at a regular briefing held at the Government Sejong Complex, "The recent domestic mask supply situation continues to stabilize, with lines in front of pharmacies disappearing, and a significant portion of the public supports supplying masks overseas for humanitarian purposes."

Currently, about 70 countries have officially requested mask support from our government. Commissioner Lee explained, "If mask supply to the respective countries meets the criteria for humanitarian support, we plan to provide support sequentially, considering the domestic mask supply situation."

The procedure for overseas supply for humanitarian purposes involves the government purchasing public mask stock currently held by the Public Procurement Service. For countries requesting free supply, the relevant ministries' mask task force (TF) will review the validity, priority, and supply volume of overseas supply, and after final approval by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the masks will be supplied overseas.

Mask exports remain prohibited. However, overseas supply will be exceptionally allowed if it is for nationals residing abroad or if foreign governments officially request demand that qualifies as humanitarian purposes.

The selection criteria for overseas mask supply targets are ▲ countries facing difficulties in quarantine due to confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths ▲ countries experiencing difficulties in mask supply ▲ countries where supply is necessary to enhance diplomatic security and national status ▲ international organizations and groups requesting masks for COVID-19 quarantine.

Commissioner Lee stated, "However, meeting domestic mask demand and stabilizing supply are the top priorities," adding, "The scope of overseas supply for humanitarian purposes may be adjusted depending on the mask supply status at domestic quarantine sites, the general public, public transportation, and the implementation level of emergency stockpile plans."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.