367 items that fall into the category of most consumed goods by the middle class have been gazetted as non-essential goods.
The Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa issued this special gazette notification on March 09 stating that 367 non-essential items will have to be controlled in the face of the dollar crisis.
This list includes many everyday items. Dairy products such as milk, butter, yogurt, pineapple, mongoose, orange, avocado and imported fruits, chocolates, pasta, noodles, meats, fish, whole grains, baby foods, nutritional supplements, and processed foods As well as processed fruits belong to this pile.
It also restricts the import of cosmetics and accessories, shampoos, perfumes, soaps and detergents, all types of bags, home furnitures and including leather goods, as well as glassware and ceramics. Sportswear and equipment are also restricted.
Beers, wines as well as alcohol with less than 80% alcohol content, such as whiskey, vodka, rum, gin and cigarettes over 84 mm in length are subject to this restriction.
The Minister of Finance has stated that the importation of these goods will not be permitted except for a matter of urgency.