Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2017-05-09

Regulations made under the Licensing of Shipping Agents, Freight Forwarders, Non-Vessel Operating Common Carriers and Container Operators Act, No. 10 of 1972

- The regulations made under the Licensing of Shipping Agents, Freight Forwarders, Non‑Vessel Operating Common Carriers and Container Operators Act, No.10 of 1972 has been published in the Government Gazette No.1842/16 of 2013‑12‑27, in order to prohibit the charging of terminal handling and other charges in addition to the internationally recommended freight charges for shipment, to safeguard importers and exporters and to avoid negative impacts upon the national economy through the evasion of import and export taxes. The Cabinet has granted approval to amend the relevant legislation, taking into consideration the issues pointed out and the proposals made by certain parties with regard to the implementation of these regulations. Accordingly, the proposal made by Hon. Arjuna Ranatunga, the Minister of Ports and Shipping, to publish the amended legislation prepared in the Government Gazette and subsequently present it in Parliament for approval, was approved by the Cabinet.