Govt. to nap substandard cinnamon exports

By Ashwin Hemmathagama – Our Lobby Correspondent

Increased numbers of merchants engaging in fraudulent activities in cinnamon exportation has become a threat to the Ceylon Cinnamon brand, Parliament was told last week.

Minister of Primary Industries Daya Gamage plans to increase awareness among stakeholders to overcome issues with the quality of cinnamon exported and maintain the improved benchmark to receive high prices rather than engaging in fraudulent activities. 

“In 2014, cinnamon quills exported by 11 companies for a total of 142,656 kg were sent back to Sri Lanka. The value of these returns exceeded Rs.185.42 million. We haven’t taken legal action against these companies nor will we disclose their names in public creating unhealthy competition against them. This is almost 1% of our cinnamon exports,” said Minister Gamage.

Under a special gazette No. 1806/6 dated 29 April 2013, the Government has placed restrictions on the export of cinnamon without obtaining a standard certificate from an authorised issuer. 

However, following representations from the industry itself this gazette notification was rescinded by another special gazette notification No.1813/15 dated 5 June 2013. 

According to the Minister, a system is now in place, where at the request of the importer, standards are inspected and a certificate is issued in Sri Lanka before being despatched.

Disclosing the measures taken to prevent the exportation of substandard cinnamon, Minister Gamage said: “The Export Agriculture Department currently holds field workshops, seminars and other training sessions in a number of locations, including at the Galle, Matara and Matale training centres, to inform and train the growers on the need to increase the standards and quality of cinnamon exports. The department has also taken steps to establish packaging centres where cinnamon products are finished and packaged to international standards.”