KATHMANDU: The Nepal Bureau of Standards & Metrology (NBSM)  is going to test the quality of the mask in India after some industries applied for the Nepal Standard (NS) mark.

The department does not have the required laboratory for quality testing of masks.

Director-General of the Department Bishwa Babu Pudasaini said that NS mark will be given after testing the quality within 15 days.

“We have already sent samples of three industries for testing. The results will come within 15 days after completing the test,” he said.

Pudasaini said that samples are being sent to India as there is no laboratory for testing in Nepal.

Jagdamba Mask and Sherpa Adventure have applied for the NS mark. With an investment of Rs 200 million, Shankar Group has already established Jagdamba Mask Industry and started sales.

The industry aims to produce 30 million N-95 and KN-95 masks. Similarly, the target is to produce 50 million surgical masks.