Directorate General of Foreign Trade said “Imports of an assertive variety of granite stones are allowed freely only if its value is $80 and above per square meter”, the government has said.

The import of items that are mainly used to figure monumental or building stone is permitted freely if cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value are $80 and above per square meter.

According to an official, the change was aimed at restraining those importers who were/are freely importing granite stones in the disguise of marbles. Granite stones are more expensive than marbles. The minimum import price for marble is only $325 per MT[metric ton].