Sri Lanka limits import of 367 non-essential items effective midnight

The Gazette notification restricting the imports of 367 non-essential items without a valid licence has been issued, with effect from midnight today (09), the Department of Imports and Exports Control said. The relevant gazette notification was issued by Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa.

Fish fillets and other fish meat, Milk and cream, Buttermilk, curdled milk and cream, yogurt, Butter and other fats and oils derived from milk; dairy spreads, Cheese and curd, grapes, fresh or dried, apples, pears and quinces, fresh and chocolate, are some of the products of which imports have been restricted.

The Regulation is only be applicable to the importation of goods, which have the date of Bill of Lading/ Air Waybill on or after March 10, 2022.

Licence to import the specified non-essential items will be issued subject to the recommendation of the Secretary to the Finance Ministry.

Any importers who wish to import the specified goods are thereby required to be in possession of a valid licence issued by the Controller-General of Imports and Exports Control, prior to the date of the Bill of Lading/Airway Bill of such importation.

The move comes after Sri Lanka's reserves dipped to $2.36 billion in January and the government faces debt repayments of about $4 billion this year.