Customs to test Japanese imports

17 March 2011 10:43 am

Sri Lanka Customs told the Daily Mirror today that Japanese imports may be tested for radiation if necessary after it was reported a possible meltdown could occur in a nuclear power station in Japan exposing the environment to radiation.

A senior official of the Sri Lanka Customs Import Division said that most Japanese items will take two to three weeks to arrive in Sri Lanka and the Government will decide on precautionary measures if a high level of radiation is detected. 

“Japanese imports to Sri Lanka mainly comprise value added items such as vehicles, electrical items and machinery. Metal items usually do not absorb much radiation. Therefore it may not be necessary to carry out any tests. However if there is a need, it will be done,” he said.

He said that if the radioactivity level of Japanese items is found to be high the goods may be rejected and sent back to Japan. Japan is the third largest importer of value added items to Sri Lanka right behind India and China.

Meanwhile it is reported that the Indian Government is to test all Japanese goods entering the country for radiation. (Olindhi Jayasundere)