48 freight containers with canned fish returned to China: Customs

A total of 48 freight containers with canned fish which was unsuitable for human consumption, will be shipped back to China today, Customs Media Spokesman and Director Sunil Jayarathne said.

He said the consignment of canned fish were rejected by the Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI) as a result of non-compliance with the relevant Sri Lanka Standards SLS 591 2014.

According to the reports by the SLSI, the canned fish contained Arsenic which is not fit for human consumption.

"The total weight of the containers is 768 MT and the value is Rs. 384 million," he said. 

The Customs Consumer Protection Unit conducted investigations into this matter and steps have been taken to reship the cargo to its origin accordingly, he said. 

The first two containers will be shipped back today around 4.00 pm, he said.

The Customs Consumer Protection Unit will take actions to freight the rest of the containers within this month, the Customs Spokesperson added. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)