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Public Finance Committee to suspend bathware imports 

03 Nov 2022

 
  • Committee to also look into market monopoly created by import ban
  The Committee on Public Finance (COPF) is to temporarily suspend the importation of bathware in safeguarding the consumer, a statement issued by Parliament noted.   It is of the view that regulations published in the Extra Ordinary gazette Notification 2296/30, Under the Import and Export (Control) Act No. 1 of 1969 should be subjected to further consideration as to whether approval for such would stand as justifiable by the consumer.  This was discussed by the COPF during its meeting on Tuesday (1) under the chairmanship of MP Dr. Harsha de Silva. Accordingly, this gazette was published in relation to a temporary suspension on the importation of sanitary fixtures and bathware items such as squatting pans and wash-basins.  Furthermore, the members of the committee also took into consideration the monopoly created within the market due to the banning of importation of tiles by the same gazette. The committee also considered the fact that in an environment where imports have been suspended, the increase in prices in bathroom accessories and tiles, and the inability to meet the rising demand. Accordingly, the committee recommended the Ministry of Finance to submit a report in this regard. The Regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act mentioned in the Extraordinary Gazette Notification 2298/55 was also considered at the committee meeting to which approval was granted. This gazette will permit foreign workers to import electric motor vehicles based on the value of their remittances. The Regulations under the Import and Export (Control) Act mentioned in the Extraordinary Gazette Notification 2297/79 was also considered at the Committee meeting held. This intends to extend the period for import of essential food items under an open account system.  


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