The first tax changes under the 2027 Budget have taken effect, reducing import levies on sprats, Maldive fish and dried chillies from today (13).
The changes lower the Special Commodity Levy on these food items. The government says the reductions aim to ease the cost of essential food items for consumers.
The new rates were officially published through Gazette Extraordinary No. 2514/31 on November 12. The changes took effect from midnight and will remain valid until December 31, 2027.
How Much Have the Food Import Taxes Changed?
- The biggest reduction applies to imported Maldive fish. Its Special Commodity Levy has dropped from Rs. 302 to Rs. 10 per kilogram.
- The levy on imported sprats has also fallen sharply. It has been reduced from Rs. 100 to Rs. 10 per kilogram.
- Dried chillies will also carry lower import taxes. The levy on whole dried chillies is now Rs. 50 per kilogram. For crushed or ground chillies, the new rate is Rs. 75 per kilogram.
These changes reduce the tax charged on imported supplies of these food items. They may help lower costs for importers and traders.
Will Consumers Pay Less at Shops?
The tax reductions are intended to ease pressure on household food costs. However, lower import taxes do not automatically mean lower shop prices.
The final price consumers pay also depends on import costs, transport, wholesale charges and retail margins. Existing stocks bought under earlier tax rates may also affect how quickly changes reach shops.
Consumers will therefore need to watch whether traders pass the lower costs on through their selling prices.
Meanwhile, the 2027 Budget has also increased the Special Commodity Levy on imported sugar by Rs. 10 per kilogram. This means the latest food tax changes include both reductions and an increase.
The new rates mark the first set of food-related tax changes to take effect under the 2027 Budget.
Last modified: November 13, 2026
