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The Government has revised the ban on chemical fertiliser, allowing the import of chemicals for non-agricultural industries on prior approval of relevant authorities.
The revision was announced by Imports and Exports Controller General Damayanthi S. Karunarathne.
The Government on 4 May banned the importation of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides.
The permission to allow chemicals for non-agriculture sector is following requests for same and to ensure economic activities don’t get impacted.
Controller General Karunarathne said that prior to the imposition of the bank, some fertilisers and pesticides had already been imported under the Import and Export Control Act.
“We have discussed with the Agricultural Department and other relevant agencies and identified the categories not covered by this and completely banned them. Apart from that all other identified chemicals have been placed under import control.
“Accordingly, these fertilisers or chemical pesticides cannot be used in agriculture. However, if there is a chemical required for another industry, it will be ascertained and steps will be taken in future to issue import licenses for the required quantity,” the Controller said.
The Controller General of Imports and Exports had announced that the licenses issued for these specified items were cancelled from 4 May in line with the Cabinet’s decision to ban the import of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides.
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 6 May this year subject to special import licence regulations.
The Gazette also effectively permits any shipments of agrochemicals that were seaborne on or before 5 May to arrive, be cleared and distributed.
The Gazette 2226/48 of 6 May, signed by Mahinda Rajapaksa in his capacity as Finance Minister is available on the website of the Department of Imports and Exports Control (imexport.gov.lk/images/pdf/gazette/english/Gazette_No_222648.pdf).
