Parliament approves amendment on import duties through regional ports

The Parliament has voted in favor of reducing import duties on certain products imported through the regional ports of Kulhudhuffushi and Addu City as well as international airports.

Import duties are reduced by 50 percent from the items, with the exclusion of pork, alcohol, and tobacco products.

MP for Manadhoo proposed changes to the initial amendment to include international airports in addition to the regional ports. 

The proposed change was supported by Central Hithadhoo MP Ahmed Rasheed. 58 MPs voted in favor of the amendment.

Storage of the imported products must be made at the point of import according to the bill. The parliament also approved to double the duty on energy drink products.

Items from which import duty is reduced include construction items such as metal sheets plates and metal bars. Duty on metal tins are increased by 10 percent. Import duties were reduced on ceramic items and kitchenware as well.