Rising demand for export of face masks and surgical products
Manufacturers of Board of Investment (BOI) companies and other export oriented companies will be exempt from an import ban, as their contribution is through value addition and exports.
The main purpose of introducing new regulations relating to imports and exports was to stem the flow of outward remittances to protect the local manufacturing industry, said the Controller-Operational, Department of Imports and Exports Control K.G.R. Wimalasooriya during a recent National Chamber of Commerce webinar on imports and exports related to business issues faced by the business community.
He said the gazette notification pertaining to regulations have listed 90-odd items classified as non- essential and banned products for three months period with effect from April this year.
However the list that contain 26 items deemed as essential raw materials for the manufacturing industry can be imported into the country.
“While restricting the importation of certain items we have also given a chance to the manufacturing industry. Meanwhile a technical evaluation committee has been set up to look into the requirement of manufacturers,” he said.
Controller-General of Imports and Exports of the Department of Imports and Exports Ms. T.V.D Damayanthi S. Karunaratne, answering a question raised, said that the importation of agricultural products in bulk has been banned as it would affect the local farmers.
Nevertheless import of such items for value addition for exports will depend on the availability of such agricultural products in the local market. The Export Agriculture Department and the Ministry of Plantation will be able to advise exporters as agricultural imports have been totally banned, she said.
Director –Trade Facilitation and Trade Information –Sri Lanka Export Development Board S.R.P. Indrakeeethi, responding to a question, said that a number products for exports has been identified through trade inquiries from overseas buyers that include items such as face masks, ventilators and health care equipment and food products like spices and fruits etc. The Export Development Board website provides information to local exporters on market information.
Assistant Controller Department of Imports and Exports Control M.K.U.S. Fernando, replying to a question, said that the import of brake pads for vehicles and for agricultural vehicles has also been banned. Meanwhile the Additional Director General Sri Lanka Customs, Sunil Jayaratne said the backlog of cargo piled up at the port is gradually being cleared.
The moderator of the panel discussion was Chrisso de Mel, Director (Group Shipping Department) Hayleys Plc. The Secretary General/CEO of the National Chamber of Commerce Bandula Dissanayake presided at the webinar dialogue.