On 4 January 2024, the Government of Sri Lanka imposed a Special Commodity Levy (SCL) in respect of  potatoes (HS code 0701.90) at the rate of LKR 50/kg (USD 0.15) imports. This change commenced on 8 January 2024 and will be valid until 31 December 2024.

This policy is enacted to reduce import of potatoes which had significantly lower retail prices in 2023 compared to locally produced varieties and thereby support the local farmers.

The price of imported potatoes was significantly lower than the prices of locally produced varieties of potatoes in 2023. The SCL introduced at the beginning of 2024 is enacted to reduce imports and support local farmers.