The Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism advises that Legal Notice No. 540, titled The Prohibition (Carriage Coastwise, Importation and Exportation) Order, 2026, has been issued under Section 44 of the Customs Act. This Order introduces a one-year ban on the export of copper, which takes effect on 10 July 2026 and expires on 9 July 2027.

This measure forms part of the Government’s response to the increasing incidents of copper theft and vandalism affecting public and private infrastructure. These activities have disrupted the delivery of essential public services and imposed significant operational and financial costs on State agencies and private sector entities.

While the export of copper is generally prohibited during the period of the Order, licensed manufacturers may apply for permission from the Trade Licence Unit (TLU) of the Ministry to export copper generated as a by-product of their manufacturing operations or surplus material no longer required for production.