MAA 2020-15 Sri Lanka: Dairy – Temporary Measures on Exports

Date of issue: 06 May 2020

Date of effect: Immediate

Reference Number: MAA2020-15

Attention:

• Industries—Industry bodies – Dairy Australia – Infant Nutrition Council
• Export dairy establishments
• Licensed exporters
• Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment —Central and Regional offices

Purpose

To notify manufacturers and exporters of the change in Sri Lanka’s import regulations affecting the export of certain milk and milk products.

Summary of key points

• The Ministry of Finance, Economic and Policy Development of Sri Lanka released a gazette notification (no. 2171/5) (https://www.chamber.lk/images/COVID19/pdf/ImportExportControlactamedment.pdf) on 16 April 2020 to notify of the implementation of temporary measures which may affect the import of certain agricultural products including dairy.
• The notification directs commercial banks to only facilitate the importation of commodities listed in Schedule II through credit facility which defers payment of these imports from 16 April 2020 to 15 July 2020.
• Affected products include the following HS codes:
  • 0402 Milk and cream, concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter.
    • 0402.10.00 in powder, granules or other solid forms, of a fat content, by weight, not exceeding 1.5%
    • 0402.21.00 In powder, granules or other solid forms, of a fat content, by weight, exceeding 1.5% - Not containing added sugar or sweetening matter
    • 0402.29.00 00 In powder, granules or other solid forms, of a fat content, by weight, exceeding 1.5% - Other
    • 0402.99.00 Other
    • 0402.99.10 Sweetened Condensed Milk
    • 0402.99.90 Condensed milk (other)
  • 0403 Buttermilk, curdled milk and cream, yoghurt, kephir and other fermented or acidified milk and cream, whether or not concentrated or containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavoured or containing added fruit, nuts or cocoa.
    • 0403.10.00 Yoghurt
    • 0403.90.00 Other
• There is no suspension in trade of these products, however the department understands that there may be some restriction on payment until 15 July 2020. The department will continue to issue certification during this period.
• Australian exporters are encouraged to work with their importers regarding commercial arrangements for payments.

Background

In response to the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic, the Sri Lankan government has implemented temporary measures to alleviate the pressure on their exchange rate and the financial markets.

Under these measures, the Sri Lankan government has directed its commercial banks to only facilitate the importation of commodities stipulated in Schedule II of the Gazette No. 2171/05 on a credit basis.

• Further information

  Contact Export Standards if you have any queries.

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  The information provided in this advice is current at the time of writing and is intended for use as guidance only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. The Commonwealth endeavours to keep information current and accurate, however, it may be subject to change without notice. Exporters are encouraged to verify these details with their importers prior to undertaking production/exports. The Commonwealth will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on information contained in this notice.