By Madhusha Thavapalakumar
Following concerns raised by exporters and local manufacturers, the Ministry of Trade is planning to restrict selected ready-made apparel products which were permitted to be imported through an extraordinary gazette notification recently.
Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, Minister of Trade Dr. Bandula Gunawardana stated that this decision has been taken following a meeting between the President and exporters on Wednesday (23).
“We will appoint a committee to look into each ready-made apparel item one by one and decide to restrict imports of items which can be produced in Sri Lanka,” the Minister stated.
This is the latest turn in the Government’s policy on apparel imports. On 1 April, it banned all imports apart from pharmaceuticals, fuel, and raw materials required for export purposes. On 19 April, the import restrictions were extended until 15 July and further expanded to restrict rice, sugar, liquour, and apparel-related products.
However, following requests made by heads of leading apparel businesses, the Ministry of Finance issued an extraordinary gazette notification under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act No. 1 of 1969 on 15 September 2020, permitting ready-made apparel products to be imported considering the upcoming festive season. Now it appears that another change is in the offing.
According to Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association Founder Chairman Hussain Sadique, the circular permits selected ready-made garments to be imported under a 90-day loan facility.
“Importers have to apply and make a request from the Department of Imports and Exports Control to get the approval to import these selected items. It is a conditional approval,” Sadique told The Sunday Morning Business on Thursday (24).
Nevertheless, following the introduction of this circular, exporters and local manufacturers have been raising concerns over the importation of ready-made garments that could be easily produced locally.
National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) Secretary General Shiham Marikar told The Sunday Morning Business that some of the items that could be produced within the country, such as those under HS Code 6208 (nightgowns) and HS Code 62.13 (handkerchiefs) have been allowed to be imported with an insignificant cess amount under this gazette notification.
In addition, the extraordinary gazette also permits the importation of shawls, scarves, mufflers, mantillas, veils, knee and ankle guards, ties, bow ties, nightshirts, pyjamas, and cravats under a 90-day loan facility.
“Local companies have already commenced the production of such goods and a relaxation of import restrictions now could result in a negative impact on the slowly developing local industries,” Marikar claimed.
Speaking further, he said that the NCE is of the view that import restrictions should be imposed with a long-term development view.Govt. sways on apparel imports again
27 Sep 2020
Govt. sways on apparel imports again
27 Sep 2020
By Madhusha Thavapalakumar
Following concerns raised by exporters and local manufacturers, the Ministry of Trade is planning to restrict selected ready-made apparel products which were permitted to be imported through an extraordinary gazette notification recently.
Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, Minister of Trade Dr. Bandula Gunawardana stated that this decision has been taken following a meeting between the President and exporters on Wednesday (23).
“We will appoint a committee to look into each ready-made apparel item one by one and decide to restrict imports of items which can be produced in Sri Lanka,” the Minister stated.
This is the latest turn in the Government’s policy on apparel imports. On 1 April, it banned all imports apart from pharmaceuticals, fuel, and raw materials required for export purposes. On 19 April, the import restrictions were extended until 15 July and further expanded to restrict rice, sugar, liquour, and apparel-related products.
However, following requests made by heads of leading apparel businesses, the Ministry of Finance issued an extraordinary gazette notification under the Imports and Exports (Control) Act No. 1 of 1969 on 15 September 2020, permitting ready-made apparel products to be imported considering the upcoming festive season. Now it appears that another change is in the offing.
According to Sri Lanka Retailers’ Association Founder Chairman Hussain Sadique, the circular permits selected ready-made garments to be imported under a 90-day loan facility.
“Importers have to apply and make a request from the Department of Imports and Exports Control to get the approval to import these selected items. It is a conditional approval,” Sadique told The Sunday Morning Business on Thursday (24).
Nevertheless, following the introduction of this circular, exporters and local manufacturers have been raising concerns over the importation of ready-made garments that could be easily produced locally.
National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) Secretary General Shiham Marikar told The Sunday Morning Business that some of the items that could be produced within the country, such as those under HS Code 6208 (nightgowns) and HS Code 62.13 (handkerchiefs) have been allowed to be imported with an insignificant cess amount under this gazette notification.
In addition, the extraordinary gazette also permits the importation of shawls, scarves, mufflers, mantillas, veils, knee and ankle guards, ties, bow ties, nightshirts, pyjamas, and cravats under a 90-day loan facility.
“Local companies have already commenced the production of such goods and a relaxation of import restrictions now could result in a negative impact on the slowly developing local industries,” Marikar claimed.
Speaking further, he said that the NCE is of the view that import restrictions should be imposed with a long-term development view.Kapruka
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Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!