Customs Regulations in Sri Lanka

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

• Passport
• Residence Visa/Blue Card
• Unaccompanied baggage declaration must be made at airport
• Inventory (valued)

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

• CUSTOMER MUST BE PRESENT AT TIME OF CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
• Sri Lanka Nationals & Expatriates may import household goods and personal effects duty-free provided they have been outside the country for a year or more
• Some Customs exemption granted with Residence Visa
• Shipments must arrive within three months of Customer
• Refundable Customs deposit payable on all shipments

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

• All items in commercial quantity
• Alcohol and tobacco products
• All currency, gold, silver, jewelry, etc.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Dangerous drugs
• Gold and gems
• Firearms
• Obscene literature, pictures, etc.
• Sri Lanka currency over Rs. 1,000/Indian and Pakistan currencies
• Fruits, plants, vegetables
• Animals, birds, reptiles, and parts thereof
• POSSESSION OF HEROIN CARRIES THE DEATH PENALTY

MOTOR VEHICLES

• Automobiles and motorcycles over three years old are prohibited
• Only right-hand drive autos are permitted
• High duties payable
• Import License must be obtained prior to arrival

ALLOWANCES Maximum permissible for other common items:

• 12 Saris and 6 Sarongs (or verities)
• Garments: Males (12) and Females (12)
• Textile material--total of 12 meters
• Shoes, Slippers--6 pairs of each