Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, has addressed growing public concern over claims that the government has imposed a new tax on AliExpress and other online parcel imports.
Responding to widespread social media speculation, the Deputy Minister clarified that the government has not introduced a new tax, but rather revised the existing tax calculation method for individual item imports to ensure transparency and curb misuse.
Previously, parcels weighing less than one kilogram could be cleared with a flat tax of Rs. 800, and in some cases, items declared below a certain value were not taxed at all. However, this system was heavily exploited by undervaluing invoices and misusing the tax-free threshold.
Under the revised system, customs duties are now calculated based on the HS Code (Harmonized System Code) of the product, which reflects the type and nature of the item, rather than simply relying on the parcel’s weight.
Minister Abeysinghe acknowledged concerns raised by students and researchers who claim that educational or research equipment are now being taxed. He said such cases are temporary and the government is working to establish regulatory exemptions for academic and scientific items. (Newswire)
