Maldives Customs Service has stated 4.7 million face masks were imported since the COVID-19 outbreak in the Maldives.
Speaking at the daily press briefing held at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), Deputy Commissioner General of Customs Abdulla Shareef detailed measures the institution has taken to relax import policies. He said a total of USD 622,568 has been waived from import duties.
The Maldives has brought in a large number of food and other essential items as the country depends heavily on imports. Additionally, the import of medical equipment and other medical supplies used in treating COVID-19 patients has soared over the past month.
The deputy commissioner general said USD 17.51 million has been spent on import of staple food during the outbreak, which is a 45% increase as compared to the spending on staples last year. Shareef said the import of eggs and diesel has also increased by 5% and 6 % respectively. However, the import of pork and alcoholic products has decreased significantly due to closing of resorts following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The past four months saw a steep rise in the import of disinfectants and handwashes as the whole country prepared to brace the impact of the pandemic. The government made the decision to waive tariff on import of masks and other medical equipment to help businesses brace the impact of COVID-19 in the Maldives.