In a bid to make India self-reliant, the nitrile glove industry has been enhancing its manufacturing capabilities, by reducing import dependency. However, the domestic market is faced with challenges that involve the influx of spurious and non-compliant chlorinated gloves, which in turn has been hampering the growth of indigenous manufacturers. Anindith Reddy, Co-Founder and MD, Enliva talks about the steps needed to be enforced to ensure strict import regulations and the role of the government in elevating India's position as a global leader in the nitrile glove

manufacturing space.

How is Enliva collaborating with the Indian Rubber Gloves Manufacturers Association to phase out the use of chlorinated and spurious gloves?

Enliva firmly supports a ban on the importation and distribution of chlorinated and below-par gloves in India through its active engagement with the Indian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (IRGMA). 

The company actively promotes initiatives that raise awareness about the detrimental health and environmental impacts of these gloves, while advocating for the adoption of sustainable, non-chlorinated alternatives.

Despite IRGMA being forthright on the ban of chlorinated gloves, do you still find such imported gloves making their way into the Indian market?  

Poor quality and chlorinated gloves still manage to find their way to the market, as the lacuna in the regulation of enforcement and the absence of any kind of quality check at ports allows them the same. Enliva still calls for stricter checks on the quality of gloves being sent to the market to counter the challenge.

According to you, what firm stance can the government take to curb the import of substandard and counterfeit gloves?

There should be strict implementation of QCOs with Compulsory Testing of Imported Gloves with Min-Max Tolerance Levels. Imposing higher fines, levies, and duties on substandard imports, encouraging local production. And enhanced monitoring at ports to stop harmful gloves from coming in.

To curb the import of substandard and counterfeit gloves, the government can adopt a multi-faceted approach, involving regulatory measures, enforcement, and international collaboration.

Here are several key actions the government can take:

Strengthening regulatory frameworks, implementing and enforcing strict standards certification and labelling requirements, enhancing customs and border, import bans or restrictions on non-compliant goods, international trade partnerships, public awareness and reporting mechanisms incentivising domestic manufacturing, improved data collection and traceability. Through these coordinated efforts, the government can effectively tackle the issue of substandard and counterfeit gloves, protecting public health and ensuring the integrity of medical supply chains.

To curb the import of substandard and counterfeit gloves, the government can adopt a multi-faceted approach, involving regulatory measures, enforcement, and international collaboration.

Why are imported gloves getting an upper hand and preference in comparison to BIS-approved gloves and those manufactured in the domestic market?

Imported gloves are typically sold cheaper owing to their inferior scope and mass production practices. Inadequate application of quality standards allows substandard human imports to undersell to the disadvantage of domestic producers.

Enliva is making a move to bring further enlightenment to the concerned parties regarding the excellence of quality and safety contained in BIS gloves.

In the wake of the plea put forth by IRGMA to the ministry and higher authorities, how do you foresee the rubber gloves domestic market panning out in 2025?

It is assumed that there will be a higher growth rate in the domestic market as there is a trend followed by increased regulatory oversight and consumer awareness.

Enliva predicts more demand for self-sustained and safe gloves because of government encouragement towards “Make in India” and greater preference of the public for safe goods.

Imported gloves are typically sold cheaper owing to their inferior scope and mass production practices. Inadequate application of quality standards allows substandard human imports to undersell to the disadvantage of domestic producers.

Concerning quality control of rubber gloves, what compliance standards and norms are currently in place to keep a check on the circulation of such harmful gloves? 

Medical gloves must be eligible as per the guidelines formulated by the BIS (medical gloves regulations followed by CDSCO) in India. Products such as CE, EN 455, and ASTM keep international standards of excellence in most of the products ordered in India from being classified

as high-end. Further, to discourage harmful gloves from entering the market, production practices are being revised to strictly conform to strict quality control and testing protocols.

India has been facing a shortage of natural rubber with a slump in domestic production, how do you think this can impact the indigenous manufacturing market for rubber gloves?

The lack of sufficient natural rubber boosts the cost of raw materials and will result in significant upsets in the production schedule of national manufacturers of rubber gloves. To mitigate this, Enliva looks to hydrogenate any of its products by searching for synthetic alternatives like nitrile and developing good strategic partnerships on raw materials.

India has been dependent on imports of natural rubber, with customs duty being levied on imports. How are domestic manufacturers navigating this sticky situation ensuring a balance between competitive pricing and the ‘Make in India’ mission? 

These strategies include lobbying for import tax cuts among local raw material manufacturers, as this could bring some cost relief. On the other hand, companies like Enliva pursue innovations aimed at boosting production efficiency that should help to achieve cost management and high standards for quality. There is also a focus on encouraging supportive government policies for local sourcing and production.

With the union budget being rolled out for 2025, What are your key asks and expectations on behalf of indigenous manufacturers?

Some key expectations would be:

● The proper removal of the custom duty on raw materials like rubber.

● Government grants and subsidies to promote local production and equity, minimising dependence on imported products.

● Decisive action on import-related legislation to save local industry

● Encouraging research and development in glove manufacture for innovation and sustainable practices.