The Customs Authority has begun enforcing a new directive from the Prime Minister to extend customs duty exemptions on 12 selected goods imported from overseas. This measure, outlined in Customs Circular No. 29 of 2024, which prolongs the customs relief initially granted. This exemption, first introduced last October by the Council of Ministers, is part of a broader government initiative to reduce prices for essential goods in the domestic market.

Effective immediately, this exemption will be applied at all customs ports and will last for three months. It continues a previous six-month exemption period that ended in May, covering essential imports such as poultry, various dairy products, tea, fats, sugar, pasta, certain prepared foods, and all forms of medicine.

In related news, the Customs Authority clarified that there have been no new directives regarding the cessation of all car imports, including those for the disabled or for personal use. This statement comes in response to unfounded rumors circulating on social media. Official decrees from the ministry are published in the Official Gazette and come into effect the following day at customs ports. The latest such directive is the Prime Minister’s aforementioned decision to extend the customs exemptions for 12 essential commodities.

This clarification underscores that any significant policy changes, such as those involving the importation of vehicles, would be formally communicated through official channels.