The Government increases tax on several key imported food items

The government has announced an increase in taxes on certain imported goods, effective from 14^th of October to 31^st December, 2024.

This move comes under the directive of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who also serves as the Minister of Finance.

Under the new regulations, a special merchandise tax will apply to several key imports. Whole and flaked Mysore lentils, as well as yellow lentils, will now incur a tax of 25 cents per kilogram.

Additionally, a special commodity levy of 302 rupees per kilogram has been imposed on Maldive fish and its substitutes.

Fresh or frozen fish, excluding de-boned fish and other processed fish, will subject to a tax of 10 percent or 400 rupees per kilogram, whichever is higher.