COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Government has taken measures to waive duties imposed on five imported raw materials for locally produced sanitary napkins, the Presidential Media Division says.
The decision has been taken in order to make hygiene products more affordable in view of ensuring hygiene among women and school girls.In addition, it has also been decided to provide tax concessions for imported finished sanitary napkins as well.Accordingly, the price of a pack of 10 sanitary napkins produced locally will be reduced by Rs.
50 to Rs. 60 with these tax concessions, and the maximum retail price of a pack will be Rs. 260-Rs 270.Additionally, the consumer retail prices of imported finished products will be reduced by 18% or 19%.In accordance with the instructions by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the government authorities are taking necessary measures to grant duty and tax concessions.
Hence, manufacturers should get the recommendation from the Secretary to the Ministry of Industries to get the tax concessions at the import stage of the raw materials and the mechanism has already been formulated.Accordingly customs import duty of 15%, cess duty of 10% -15% and Port and Airport Development Levy (PAL) of 10% have been waived on importation of five raw materials and import of intermediate goods.