How import duties on many items including yoghurt and cheese are increasing !

The Ministry of Finance has decided to remove the licensing system imposed on the importation of 369 HS codes from today (June 1).

The decision was taken by significantly increasing the import duty, customs duty and surcharges levied on the relevant goods.

Accordingly, taxes will be increased on many imported foods including yoghurt, cheese, grapes and apples.

On 9th March 2022, a gazette notification was issued under the Import and Export Control Regulations Act making it mandatory to obtain import licenses for goods imported under 369 HS codes.

The decision was taken as a measure to discourage the importation of these goods due to the shortage of foreign exchange in the country.

However, the Ministry of Finance has taken steps to allow the importation of goods without an import license with effect from today, subject to HS code 369, which made it mandatory to obtain import licenses due to the fact that these goods continue to be imported into the country through illegal means. .

Accordingly, the special excise duty of Rupees. 1,000 per kilogram on the import of yoghurt has been increased to Rupees. 2,000 per kilogram. 

The special excise duty of Rupees. 400 per kilogram on all types of cheese has been increased to Rupees. 600.

The Ministry of Finance has also taken steps to increase the Special Commodity Levy on the import of oranges from Rupees. 200 per kilogram to Rupees. 600 per kilogram.

The special excise duty on grapes and apples has also been increased from 300 rupees to 600 rupees.

Further, the Ministry of Finance has taken steps to impose a surcharge of 75% as a percentage of the surcharge imposed on customs duties on the importation of wheat flour.

Imports of chocolate and cocoa will be subject to a 50 percent surcharge.

The customs duty on foreign liquor, including beer, wine, whiskey and vodka, has been increased to 100%.

A 100% surcharge will also be levied on foreign cigarettes and a 75% surcharge will be levied on foreign perfumes.

There is a 75% surcharge on foreign shampoos.

A 50% surcharge on customs duty has also been imposed on the importation of tires for cars, motorcycles and three wheelers.

The surcharge levied on customs duty on foreign footwear is 75 percent.

A 100% surcharge has been imposed on the import of refrigerators, washing machines and electric ovens.

There is a 100% surcharge on customs duty on the import of air conditioners and a 100% surcharge on the importation of musical instruments.