Regulations temporarily suspended to fast-track PPE supplies

New measures will give vital support to frontline NHS staff battling coronavirus and support businesses under pressure as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma is easing administrative requirements and barriers to imports of these essential tools, without compromising on their safety. It is hoped that, by reducing the amount of red tape, new suppliers and businesses that produce ingredients for safe hand sanitiser and PPE will be able to bring their products to market in a matter of days.

Efforts to boost availability of essential supplies involve temporary measures including: asking the Health and Safety Executive and local authorities to fast-track PPE through the product safety assessment process and prioritise this activity over other market surveillance activity; allowing PPE equipment providing protection against coronavirus which lack the CE mark onto the market provided products meet essential safety requirements; and providing new guidance for local authorities and ports and borders enforcement officers on the import and safety testing of hand sanitiser.

Sharma said: “The government is doing everything in its power to save lives and protect livelihoods during these unprecedented times. Applying a common-sense approach to regulation will ensure products are safe and reach the market without any unnecessary delay, getting vital protective equipment such as face masks to frontline staff as quickly as possible. Today’s measures will also reduce the burden on business, giving bosses much-needed breathing space to keep their workers employed and their companies going.”