European Union Export Restrictions and 3M Product Availability Update re: 2019 Novel Coronavirus and COVID-19

Dear Valued Customer,

On March 15th, the European Union introduced export authorization requirements for exports of certain Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) outside of the European Union in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The regulation is (EU) 2020/402 and is initially effective for a six-week period but could be extended. This regulation will be enacted by each country’s customs authority which will establish a process for receiving export licenses from EU to other countries.

This new regulation will likely impact 3M’s ability to supply certain Personal Protective Equipment sourced from our manufacturing operations in the European Union to customers in non-European Union countries.

[Please note that 3M Australia & 3M New Zealand have multiple sources of supply and therefore not all products from these categories will be impacted by the regulation].

This regulation affects the following PPE Categories from 3M:

  • Filtering Facepiece Respirators
  • Reusable Respirators
  • Powered and Supplied Air Respirators
  • Head and Face Protection
  • Hearing Protection
  • Protective Communications

This decision by the European Union will impact 3M’s ability to deliver these products until the regulation expires, an export authorization is granted, or the products are removed from the affected list. We are looking at other supply options where possible, but in many cases this will not be feasible. For certain applications, alternative products may be suitable. Our Application Engineering team via the 3M Tech Assist line at 1800 024 464 can assist you in your evaluation of such alternatives.

3M continues to be committed to supporting the public health and government response to the coronavirus outbreak. We are managing this situation with a global team across multiple continents and supply chains around the world. In response to the coronavirus, 3M has increased the production of Personal Protective Equipment at manufacturing facilities globally.

3M is in daily contact with our customers and we remain committed to open and honest communications during this dynamic situation. If you have questions, please contact your assigned 3M representative.

Regards,

Chris LeBlanc
Managing Director Australia & New Zealand
General Manager Safety and Industrial Business Group

Related: EU Commission