COVID-19 IMPORT RESTRICTIONS

Extra Ordinary Gazette No. 2171/5 of 16 April 2020

Notes on the Regulation

1. r

2. From 16/04/2020 to 15/07/2020.

3. Suspended import of 156 tariff headings.

4. Restricted import of 111 tariff headings to payment on three-month credit basis.

5. Payment on Open Account basis or combination of payment methods involving Open-Account are stopped.

6. The suspended items, include live fish, fish, rice, grains other than wheat, flours, edible oils, sugars, confectioneries, food items, waters and beverages, wines and spirits, marbles, cement, paints, cosmetics, polymers of ethylene, vinyl chlorides, sanitary, table, builders wares, other articles of plastics, articles of apparel and clothing, glassware, imitation jewelry,   watches, clocks, tricycles, scooters, to brooms and brushes, etc.

7. Items on Credit basis include milk, milk products, wheat, lentils, sugar, coal, iron and steels, iron and steel articles, motors, solar panels, generators, primary cell batteries, electric appliances, electric cables, to railway trams and coaches.

8. Controller General of Imports & Exports, has discretion, in the interest of the national economy, reserve the final decision on applicability of regulations.

Concerns of the Industry

1. Import of raw materials,

2. Import of packing materials,

3. Import of raw materials for packaging industry,

Possible Relief Measures

1. Import of raw materials (inputs) for export-oriented industries on NFE basis.

2. Board of Investments, Department of Sri Lanka Customs and Export Development Board could assist the Controller General in exercising discretionary authority in respect of export industry.

3. Exports under terms of payments such as:

   1. Advance payments,

   2. Letter of Credit at sight,

   3. LC with short credit period,

   4. Document on payment.