New administration has eased the restriction imposed on the importation of 369 non essential items on March 09 during the period of former finance minister Basil Rajapaksa giving relief for selected importers to bring down certain items after obtaining permits ( import control licence) .
These 369 import restricted items included cosmetics, fish, dairy products, fruits, electronics including mobile phones , computer accessories, watches, household appliances, furniture, sanitary ware, and toys.
Finance Ministry has reversed this decision with effect from today(01-6-2022) issuing gazette notification dated May 31, 2022 allowing the import of these 369 non essential items without Import Control License.
The importation of these items is subject to applicable rules and regulations including duties and taxes at the time of Customs clearance of cargos / consignments, Finance Ministry circular stipulated.
Given the difficult economic situation in the country, the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies requests all stakeholders to rationalize their importation on the basis of importance and urgency to save the limited foreign exchange for the purpose of importation of essential commodities to ensure their uninterrupted supply.
The then government has restricted imports for a limited period to properly manage the current economic situation. Import restrictions had been implemented under three categories as per the recommendations of the Central Bank.
Under the first category, duty was imposed on certain selected imported items. Under the second category, permits have been made mandatory in importing certain goods. Steps have been taken to impose duty as well as requirement of permits in importing certain goods under the third category.
Imposing the requirement of Import Control License (ICL) on selected items was also enforced.
