Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers has approved the removal of the import control license requirement for selected grains.
The Department of Government Information announced that, as of May 1, 2024, certain food grains and commodities classified under 126 Combined Classification Codes were subject to an import control permit requirement. Additionally, the issuance of import control licenses for 53 combined classification codes has been suspended.
The decision to remove the import control license requirement aims to eradicate illegal profiteering, prevent unauthorized importation of grains, curb unfair retail price increases, ensure affordable prices for consumers, and protect domestic producers through appropriate tax rates and quarantine methods.
Following the recommendations of a committee chaired by the Secretary to the President, and including members such as the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the Secretary to the Treasury, and the Senior Economic Adviser to the President, the Cabinet approved the proposal presented by the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policies.
The removal applies to the import of mung beans, black gram, cowpea, finger millet, soy flour, and peanuts, provided that importers submit a National Phytosanitary License issued by the National Plant Quarantine Service. Necessary measures to protect local producers will be implemented based on the recommendations of the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries.
