The Tile and Sanitaryware Importers Association (TSIA), warned that due to protection taxes, prices of imported tile and sanitaryware have skyrocketed putting their trade at risk.
At a media briefing in Colombo recently, to call for relief from the government, the members of the Association said, “Due to a probable lobbying situation within the industry, tiles and sanitaryware have reached beyond the affordability level of the consumers.”
“In order to help three companies, the government has imposed 110% tax on tile and sanitaryware imports. Eventually the burden is on the consumers. In our organisation alone there are over 20 companies which are capable of launching local manufacture. But this isn’t a viable business for Sri Lanka. The industry has a considerable effect on the environment and Sri Lanka possesses zero raw materials for the industry. This industry is more suitable for a larger country” said Kamil Hussein, the President of TSIA.
He denied all reports that imported products are junk products which countries such as India, China, Indonesia or other markets aspire to get rid of.
“These products are imported to the country with a 100% check of SLS standard which is equivalent to ISO standards, for at least 10 years. Tile cargo are released from the customs, only if the samples conform to the SLS standards,” he explained.
According to the statistics provided by TSIA, 51% of the market share in the industry is controlled by local manufacturers, whereas the importers represents 49%.