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Customs notify travellers to refrain from bringing prohibited, restricted commodities

9 August 2022 02:41 pm - 13     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Sri Lanka Customs (SLC) today informed all travellers/passengers to avoid bringing in any prohibited and restricted commodities, temporarily suspended commodities or commodities in commercial quantities contained in the accompanied and unaccompanied baggage through the airport or through the unaccompanied passenger baggage (UPB) warehouses with immediate effect. 

While issuing a notice to all travellers, Customs Director General P. B. S. C. Nonis said that there has been an increase in bringing in restricted commodities by the travellers/passengers contained in their accompanied and UPB in the recent past. 

Restricted commodities such as gold, cigarettes, medicines, ornamental plants etc. and commodities the importation of which are temporarily suspended due to foreign exchange issues prevailing in the country, he said.

In addition, it was also observed that some travellers bring in commodities in commercial quantities in violation of regulations published under the Customs Ordinance and the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, the Director General said.

Therefore, the customs informs all travellers to avoid bringing in such prohibited and restricted commodities.

The Director General also said that the failure to comply with these instructions shall result in the forfeiture of all the commodities brought in and imposition of further forfeitures or penalties in terms of the provisions of the Customs Ordinance and the Imports and Exports (Control) Act. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)


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  Comments - 13

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  • Ram Tuesday, 09 August 2022 03:03 PM

    Nothing available in the market and govt. wants to to stop bring them into the country personally. What a pathetic situation to ordinary people

    Tissa Fernando Tuesday, 09 August 2022 03:28 PM

    Where is the full list of commodities? Why Medicine? If a person has diabetes and if he is hoping to spend 2 months in Sri Lanka then he will have to bring in his Medicine for such a long period. Another point , what has exchange issues got to do with what people bring. They buy these items abroad using their money earned abroad. A tourist may also being some food items for his consumption. These rules are stupid rules. This is another avenue for custom officers to harass and take advantage of incoming passengers. Ok gold in big quantities may not be allowed but why not allow and charge them Duty in USD. Be creative don't implement JVP type stupid rules .

    Tak Tik Tuk Tuesday, 09 August 2022 03:30 PM

    Why this suppression? If government cannot find enough dollars for the importers to import, then simply allow the expats to bring their own supply of essentials like medicine.

    Pat Benedict Tuesday, 09 August 2022 04:31 PM

    Restricted items like cigarettes, plants are in order, but with the current starved community of most items eg: cheese, chocolates etc. surely Customs should and must understand when travellers bring in basic essentials for their loves ones, must be allowed, surely Customs must not deprive people and confiscate same. Pls be a little humane and not arrogant idiots in uniform will be much appreciated, asong as it is not in commercial quantities.

    Peter Dick Tuesday, 09 August 2022 05:18 PM

    The most important bit is missing here. Publish the list for all to know. As Tissa Suggests, think creatively. Review your old age rules for incoming passengers with some sense.

    Martin Milton Tuesday, 09 August 2022 06:50 PM

    Why are they not professional enough to give the list of items that have been prohibited?? How silly and presumptive. MM

    Adwani Tuesday, 09 August 2022 08:39 PM

    "Customs notify travellers to refrain from bringing prohibited, restricted commodities" Customs officials must understand that bribe is also prohibited and they must refrain from asking openly from the passengers. This rule should be applicable to politicians too, as the Customs Officials pissing when they notice a politicians bringing in big baggage.

    Kumara Wednesday, 10 August 2022 12:58 AM

    What effect it has to the economy if traveler bring some item which was ban cause of countries dollers shortage? If they bring it will not reduce the dollers in the country. They should understand why this ban implement in the first place.

    Charles Jansz Wednesday, 10 August 2022 06:13 AM

    Unprofessional decisions by those who perhaps are pseudo professionals like those who managed the economy during the past two and half years!

    Dilshan Perera Wednesday, 10 August 2022 08:51 AM

    This is why the Soviet Union failed and collapsed.. while People's Republic of China thrived!

    C.Gunatillake Wednesday, 10 August 2022 03:25 PM

    Just look at the world IQ table Now you see the position Sri Lanka in that table.You do not have to say any thing Now you know why Sri Lanka is in this situation.If we had brainy people running this country, this would have been a paradise.Now it is hell on earth. you can understand the SriLa kan

    Brandon Friday, 12 August 2022 04:20 PM

    Perhaps now, the citizens of this great but currently stressed country will recognise two important things: 1. Good governance 2. Meritocracy Good governance rather than political ideology or religious bigotry. A good government serves the people and not the other way round. Meritocracy means the best person for the job regardless of religion, ethnic or gender considerations. Sri Lanka is now reaping what it had sowed for far too long: nationalistic Sinhalese sentiment that ignored good governance and ethics. And more woe is to come unless change happens. The Dhamma is a lot more than just labels, you live it, you walk and you treat those that do not subscribe or even agree to your ideals with dignity, fairness and intelligence.

    Premalal Perera Monday, 15 August 2022 10:13 PM

    How can medicines be restricted items?


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