Sri Lanka hikes CESS levy on apparels after easing import restrictions

COLOMBO (News1st): The CESS levy on imported apparels have been hiked less than a week after the government released import restrictions on the product, state documents showed. The CESS levy imposed on imported apparels -- in addition to the import duty -- would be hiked with effect from October 14 for the first time since November 2017, a directive issued by the trade ministry read. Accordingly, the levy on 11 categories of products including male and female garments, swimwear and tracksuits has been hiked from Rs 200 to Rs 450 a unit. The CESS on five categories of apparel products ranging from bed linen, babies garments, kitchen linen and toilet linen has also been increased from Rs 150 to Rs 200 a unit. The import ban on apparels, imposed to promote local industries and curb currency outflows, was lifted on October 9, according to a letter issued by the import and export control department.