Govt. ups special commodity levy on several items

The Government has increased the Special Commodity Levy imposed for the importation of maize, black gram, green gram, cowpeas and kurakkan.  The Extraordinary Gazette by the Finance Ministry noted that the revised levy will come into effect from 20 February to 31 December 2024.

Accordingly, the special commodity levy on black grams (skinned, either split or not) has been increased to Rs. 300 per kg, green grams, cowpeas, kurakkan (seeds), kurakkan (other), millet (seeds) and millet (other) has been increased from Rs. 70 to Rs. 300. In addition, a special commodity levy of Rs. 25 is imposed on maize.

It also added that importation of maize, black grams, green grams, and Kurakkan is allowed on the recommendation of the Agriculture Ministry.

The Gazette was issued by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies Minister by virtue of the powers vested to him under the Section 2 of the Special Commodity Levy Act No.48 of 2007.