This is a translation of two notifications from the Indian Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
**Notification 1 (Order No. 39, dated March 21, 2020):**
This notification, dated March 13, 2020, invokes powers under Section 2A of the Essential Commodities Act of 1955 to regulate the production, quality, distribution, and transportation of surgical masks (2-ply, 3-ply, and N95) and hand sanitizers to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This order is called the "Essential Commodities Order, 2020" and is effective from the date of its publication in the official gazette until June 30, 2020. The order adds surgical masks (2-ply, 3-ply, and N95) and hand sanitizers to the list of essential commodities under the Essential Commodities Act of 1955.
**Notification 2 (Order No. 40, dated March 24, 2020):**
This notification, dated March 21, 2020, invokes powers under Section 3 and 2A of the Essential Commodities Act of 1955, to regulate the prices of 2-ply and 3-ply surgical masks, melt-blown fabric (used in these masks), and hand sanitizers to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This order is called the "Order for Determining the Price of 2-Ply and 3-Ply Masks, Melt-Blown Fabric, and Hand Sanitizers". The order is effective from the date of its publication in the official gazette until June 30, 2020.
Key price regulations include:
* Retail price of melt-blown fabric used in 2-ply and 3-ply masks cannot exceed the price as of February 12, 2020 (one month prior to March 13, 2020).
* Retail price of 3-ply surgical masks cannot exceed either the price as of February 12, 2020 (one month prior to March 13, 2020), or INR 10 per piece, whichever is lower.
* Retail price of 2-ply surgical masks cannot exceed INR 8 per piece.
* Retail price of a 200 ml bottle of hand sanitizer cannot exceed INR 100, with prices for other sizes to be determined proportionately.
Both notifications are issued under F.No. S-26/1/2020-ECR&E and signed by A.K. Chaudhry, Economic Advisor.
The Tamil Nadu translation is issued under the authority of the Governor by Dayanand Kattaria, Additional Chief Secretary to Government, and translated by N. Arul, Director of Tamil Development and Information (Translation) Department.
Key Entities Referenced
Essential Commodities Act, 1955: Indian law that establishes control over the production, supply, and distribution of essential commodities.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution: The Indian government ministry responsible for consumer affairs, food, and public distribution.
COVID-19: The disease that caused the pandemic affecting the world.
2020 ஆம் ஆண்டு இன்றியமையாப் பொருட்கள் ஆணை: The essential commodity order for 2020
புது தில்லி: The location where the announcements from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution were made