The government has decided to raise the import levies on footwear next year.

Industrial Development Minister Kumar Welgama said the CESS  per pair of imported footwear would go up by Rs. 100, to Rs. 400.

Other taxes would go up from 30 per cent to 50 pc, he said.

The decision came at a meeting between Minister Welgama and small and medium footwear Industrialists.

However, the import duty on raw material needed for the industry will be brought down.

The footwear manufacturers have also asked the minister to halt the export of local leather products.