Import taxes and duties for shipping goods to Sri Lanka.

Overview of shipping goods to Sri Lanka.

When shipping goods to Sri Lanka, the recipient is required to pay import duties, whether the goods are for personal or commercial use. The assessment method is based on the CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) price, meaning duties and taxes are calculated on the full value of the imported goods, including the cost of the goods, insurance, and freight. In addition to duties, shipments to Sri Lanka may also be subject to sales tax, education tax, STRD tax (Standardized Duty and Responsibility Tax), transportation tax, import cess, port and airport duties (PAL), and excise tax in some cases.

Tax rates in Sri Lanka.

Sales tax in Sri Lanka

Shipments to Sri Lanka are subject to Value Added Tax (VAT) at the standard rate of 12%, calculated on the total CIF price plus duties, port or airport taxes (PAL), and import cess.

Minimum taxes and duties in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka has no minimum duty; therefore, all shipments to Sri Lanka are subject to duties and other charges regardless of the value of the goods.

Other taxes and customs fees of Sri Lanka.

Shipments to Sri Lanka are subject to an import cess on certain goods at an assessed rate (Ad Valorem) between 1% and 45% of the total CIF price. For some goods, the assessed cess is calculated based on units of measurement such as weight or volume.

Shipments to Sri Lanka are subject to Port and Airport Duties (PAL) on all imported goods at the standard rate of 5%, or a lower rate for certain goods between 0% and 5% on the total CIF (Cost, Inclusive of Tax) price.,

Shipments to Sri Lanka are subject to excise duties on certain goods according to the Ad Valorem method or based on units of measurement such as weight or volume. The Ad Valorem rate varies between 12% and 173% of the total CIF price plus duties, port or airport taxes (PAL), and import cess.

Note: If shipping goods to Sri Lanka exceeds RS.650,000, the rate will be 2% of the CIF price.

Location and contact information for the Customs Department of Sri Lanka.

Further information regarding import declaration procedures and restrictions on shipments to Sri Lanka can be found on the Sri Lanka Customs website:  http://www.customs.gov.lk

How to send goods to Sri Lanka.

For shipments to Sri Lanka, SME SHIPPING provides document and parcel delivery services via DHL EXPRESS, FEDEX EXPRESS, TNT EXPRESS, Global Mail, and international sea freight.