Among the spices which would be banned are areca nut, pepper, tamarind, cinnamon, mace, nutmeg, and cloves.

The ministry said the value of Sri Lankan spices had fetched low prices in the world market as a result of re-exporting low-quality foreign products under the Sri Lankan labelling.

As a result, farmers and exporters had been affected in the recent past, the ministry claimed.

In addition, kites, firecrackers and vesak lanterns will be imported under strict regulations in future.