Maldives Customs Service (MCS) has waived about MVR 9.6 million in import duty on a number of protective equipment used by healthcare workers on the frontline of the Covid-19 response efforts by the government.

This was revealed by the Deputy Commissioner of Customs, Abdulla Shareef at a press conference held at the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) on Wednesday afternoon.

According to customs statistics, they had waived MVR 3.4 million off the import duty for face masks, MVR 1.2 million for hand washing products and MVR 4.9 for other equipment.

Import duty has also been waived for socio-economic needs out of which a majority includes for materials needed for infrastructural and resort development. As such, MVR 1.9 billion in import duty was waived during 2019 alone.

Shareef noted that the country has been receiving immense assistance from foreign countries and associations due to the pandemic and that the customs department plays an important role in making sure these shipments reach the relevant authorities.

Discussions are currently underway to waive duty for additional materials, with the Ministry of Economic Development.

Further, Shareef revealed that over 60,000 goods declaration has been processed by the authority up until April, including from different ports. Customs completes an average of 200 declarations on a daily basis.

Shareef noted that customs officials work to complete a majority of declarations submitted under a swift process that uses risk management.

As of 2 May, a total of 361 vessels had been given inward clearance by the authority and around 400 vessels were given outward clearance.