With almost every industry now trying to fill in the gap by providing Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), it can be hard to distinguish which PPE seller is in your interest and which isn’t. Here are some summary points on what is going on with PPE. Remember, you do business with the person and not the commodity.

The COVID-19 crisis has revealed the extent to which the United States and other countries are dependent upon a well-functioning global supply chain of critical medical supplies, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) essential to protecting doctors, nurses, EMTs, and others on the front lines of the pandemic.

With many PPE goods, the supply chain, from raw material to manufacturing to delivery, is global and depends on “just-in-time” supply chains. In normal times, this degree of global sourcing does not present a problem. But these are not normal times. The massive need, not only in the U.S. but in other countries as well, has led to a global hunt and demand for PPE supplies.

Given in today’s events, this “Wild West” style market for PPE has emerged. Which lead to distributors, entrepreneurs, and all types of industries on a worldwide hunt for PPE to buy.

Now, as the U.S. faces severe shortages of N95 masks and other PPE. In response, U.S. companies are currently manufacturing about 50 million N95 masks per month domestically. But this is not nearly enough to meet the demand. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) estimates that the U.S. needs almost 300 million N95 masks per month to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. This massive need, not only in the U.S. but in other countries as well, has led to a global hunt for PPE supplies.

Here, we will discuss what questions to ask before you buy:

1. Is This a Scam or Unrealistic Transaction?

Start with checking on the parties involved. There have been repeated stories of N95 masks that sold for 50 cents to $1 before the pandemic COVID-19 – that are now being offered for as much as $12 per mask! Certainly, price increases will be expected because of supply and demand and increased air cargo and logistics costs, but always check who is involved.

2. Is the Product Authorized for Use in the U.S.?

While the FDA has relaxed some rules for importing or relaxed grades for hospital use, the product still needs to be safe to use. Check to whoever is selling you the items if the product meets FDA regulations by product code and certifications.

3. How Will Payment Be Made?

The most common form of arrangement for credit and payment is a commercial or “documentary” letter of credit. A letter of credit allows the buyer’s bank to pay the seller IF the conditions are met by the seller. This is one of the most robust and bonafide protection and payments to consider.

While there are many industries out there selling PPE, it’s good to keep these simple questions in mind before you make a transaction. We’ve heard stories of non-compliance N95 masks, and 2-ply mask instead of 3-ply being sold. Scams that sold Halloween masks instead of N95. The list goes on… Also, an important rule and it’s true every single time, if it’s too good to be true, it’s too good to be true.

Talara Group is a verified FDA registered manufacturer and FDA registered importer/exporter. Talara Group has served county agencies, hospitals, and distributors with While a quick pivot to PPE products, we’ve used our FDA license to import and export OTC products in the skincare, personal care, and beauty industry.

Our Current Offerings:

– N95 Without Valves – 9500 model NIOSH (Imported)

– 3Ply Medical Mask ASTM Level 2 (Imported)

– 75% Alcohol Hand Sanitizer (Domestic)

April 29, 2020by admin