Customs, NGJA fast rack move to boost gem and jewellery sector

New measures taken by the Sri Lanka Customs and the National Gem and Jewellery Authority starting this week slashes out formalities giving an impetus drive for the gem and jewellery sector.

Exporters and importers of Gem and Jewellery who’ve had to put up with delays in clearing imports will now have a specially designed Customs office to process all gem and jewellery import consignments at the arrival area of the Bandaranaike International Airport. 

Furthermore a speedy process of handing over the Gem and Jewellery import parcels after customs formalities including placing the items in a secure pouch to the importer and bringing them within three working days to Customs at the National Gem and Jewellery Colombo office for inspection and swift release.

Both clearances procedures will be allocated to those dealers who obtain foreign exchange as per the 2012 Budget proposal to procure gems from other producing countries. The major outcome of these decisions will be to increase the global competitiveness of this burgeoning sector with a resultant increase in foreign exchange earnings and the generation of new job opportunities.

Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Association (SLGJA) Chairman M. Macky Hashim commended Director General of Customs Dr. Neville Goonawardena and National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA) Chairman and CEO Prasad Galhena for having these proactive decisions taken to facilitate a growing number of Gem and Jewellery importers and Exporters. These pertinent decisions were taken at a meeting last week.