New import rules from Jan 1

With reference to The Sunday Times FT article on December 3 headlined “Tough import rules from Jan 1, 2007”, it is rather surprising that the President of the Importers Association of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has not been aware of the reasons why MRP (Maximum Retail Price) has been enforced.

Price marking of products is mandatory but is enforced only for local products.

I am aware that the Lanka Confectionery Manufacturers Association and others have made strong protests that imported products do not adhere to this law and it is a known fact that under invoicing of FMCG goods are blatantly practiced by importers to Sri Lanka. In some instances, imported price of sugar candy is cheaper than the world market price of sugar.

The MRP which is to be introduced with effect from January 1 would necessarily eliminate to a large extent the under invoicing by unscrupulous importers.

Duty at the point of entry will be imposed on the MRP as done in India.
The MRP system is a success in India and we hope the list of goods that come under the MRP will be enhanced progressively.
In India, even the slightest contravention of the statutory requirements of exports to India and other countries are severely dealt with at Customs, with either a heavy fine, destruction of goods or sent back. The Importers Association should be supportive of the introduction of legislation to protect the consumer and local industries instead of objecting to such legislation.
The country must always come first and there must be a level playing field for locals.