Govt. relaxes restrictions on all imported goods except vehicles

The government has relaxed restrictions imposed on all imported goods except vehicles in a gazette notification issued last night, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya disclosed.   

The Finance State Minister stated that restrictions imposed on imported goods, except vehicles, have been lifted to help price stabilisation.

Due to these restrictions, he said the prices of certain goods had increased as there is not enough supply to meet the demand.

On August 14, the government, by way of a special Gazette notification, eased the restrictions on importing public transport buses and special-purpose heavy vehicles including, tankers, bowsers and fire trucks.

Further, the government also decided to release heavy vehicles imported during the restricted period and still remain uncleared at ports.

This was the first time Sri Lanka has rolled back the restrictions on imported vehicles that were imposed in March 2020.

However, the import bans on passenger vehicles are unlikely to be lifted anytime soon.

Further details regarding the items on which the import restrictions have been relaxed can be accessed through the official website of the Import and Export Control Department.

Sri Lanka has lifted its import ban on items falling under 328 HS codes on 20 July 2023, announced in Gazette Extraordinary 2341/ 38.

The relaxation follows a similar move on items falling under 286 HS codes made on 09 June 2023, lifting the ban on certain electronics, sanitary equipment and electrical equipment. 

The items freed under the lifting of restrictions in July include various agricultural items, food and beverages; a wide range of masonry and construction products; perfumes, toiletries, dental care and shaving items; luggage, handbags and other leather goods; wood products; garments and bed linen; home furnishings; footwear; headgear; washing machines and monitors; artificial flowers; and toys; among other items.  (Bandula)