The Export, Import and Re-export of Goods Regulation has been amended so that no duty is charged on cling film used to wrap food, and the change has come into force.

The Economic Ministry amended Article 30 of the regulation and published it in the Government Gazette yesterday. The new rule took effect immediately.

According to the amendment published in the gazette, the change was made to number two of Article 30(f) of the Export, Import and Re-export of Goods Regulation. That article sets out the items used for packaging food, specified in Chapter 39(p) of the Import Export Act, on which no duty is charged.

Previously, under the regulation, duty was waived only on single-use film, sheets and tube rolls used to package food. Cling film and food wrap used to temporarily cover food were specifically excluded from that exemption.

However, following the new amendment, no import duty will be charged on cling film and food wrap, which were previously excluded.

The Economic Ministry said the change was made to make things easier for food service providers and businesses in general.