Sri Lanka has extended import bans for three months on a wide variety of goods and started a license regime on other goods in an import substitution drive after money printing brought currency pressure on top a Coronavirus crisis.
The bewildering array of controls including outright bans, halting imports under licensing, allowing import if there is export value addition of 20 percent.
The import of a series of items have been banned for 90 days from April 16.
Some items have been banned except under a under licensing procedure for 90 days from May 22.
However exporters would be allowed to import inputs if they use funds in foreign currency banking unit or if it is financed by the foreign buyers.
Rice imports have been banned as price controls triggered shortages in the domestic markets.
Flour from grains other than wheat flour, peanuts, chewing gum, confectionery, chocolate, spaghetti, biscuits, aerated waters, beer and vinegar.
Building materials such as marble, quartz, granite, paints, plastic pipes, water and bathroom fittings, flooring, windows, doors, panels, curtains, ceramic tiles.
Many plastic items.vehicle tyres, suitcases, leather goods, furniture, clothing, slips, jackets, pantyhose, scarves, ties, shoes, hats.
Perfumes, colognes, sunscreen, make-up, deodorants, shaving foam,
These includes arecanut, pepper, dried fruits, some aerated waters, cement and concrete items, piston engines, marine engines, buses, engine parts.
Source: economynext.com
