The import of chemicals for non-agricultural industries will be allowed only on the prior approval of relevant authorities, says the Controller General of Imports and Exports. Sri Lanka had banned the importation of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides with effect from last week. The Finance Ministry had issued a gazette that, without completely banning the import of all agrochemicals, allows for some items to be brought in after May 6 this year subject to special import licence regulations. The gazette also effectively permits any shipments of agrochemicals that were seaborne on or before May 5 to arrive, be cleared and distributed. The Gazette 2226/48 of May 6, signed by Mahinda Rajapaksa in his capacity as Finance Minister, had been published on the website of the Department of Imports and Exports Control.

Source: The Nation May 09, 2021 12:07 UTC