The Government has once again relaxed the restrictions imposed on the importation of tiles and ceramic products.
According to the Sunday Times, the decision comes after the controversial move to remove and re–enforce the ban within less than two days last month.
On 02 February, the Import and Export Control Department issued new operating instructions to suspend the Gazette notification issued on relaxing these import restrictions and instructed to continue import limits until further notice.
However, Finance Ministry sources said action has been taken this week to remove restrictions allowing the importation of these ceramic ware, including tiles, subject to special CESS with amicable agreement of importers and local manufacturers.
The decision to relax import restrictions was reached during a meeting chaired by Treasury Secretary S.R. Attygalle with representatives of Tile Importers Association and local manufacturers, on 1st March.
The meeting focused on the way forward to both facilitate a healthy level of imports while protecting local manufacturers.
All stakeholders had reportedly agreed to revise import duty and impose a new CESS of Rs. 490 per square meter of tiles, instead of the currently applicable CESS based on the value of tiles. (NewsWire)