Sri Lanka temporarily suspends the importation of over 300 non-essential items

Amidst the foreign exchange crisis, The government has taken steps to suspend the importation of over 300 non-essential including personal-care items, household, and capital goods with effect from yesterday.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policies, has issued the relevant gazette notification under the provisions of Imports and Exports Control Act, No.01 of 1969.

Accordingly, the importation of any items specified in the gazette has been temporarily suspended effective from the 23rd of this month, until further notice.

However, any specified goods specified, which have been shipped on board with the date of Bill of Lading / Airway Bill on or before August 23, 2022, and arrived at any seaports or airports in Sri Lanka on or before September 14, 2022, will be allowed for Customs clearance.