Customs warn passengers on restricted items

• Observes surge in bringing in restricted commodities by air travellers in baggage 

Sri Lanka Customs yesterday called on all travellers to restrain from bringing in any restricted commodities or temporary suspended commodities or commodities in commercial quantities in their accompanied and un-accompanied passenger baggage (UPB) via the airport or the UPB warehouses with immediate effect. 

It said that there has been an increase in bringing in restricted commodities by air travellers, in their accompanied and un-accompanied passenger baggage (UPB) in the recent past. 

As per the Department, these items include; restricted commodities such as gold, cigarettes, medicines, ornamental plants, and items of which are temporarily suspended by the Government due to foreign exchange issues prevailing in the country. 

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

“Failure to comply with these instructions shall result in the forfeiture of all the commodities brought and in addition, imposition of further forfeitures or penalties in terms of the provisions of the Customs Ordinance and the Imports and Exports (Control) Act,” Sri Lanka Customs Director General said yesterday.