How to Import a Vehicle to Sri Lanka from the UK | GVE London – Blog

The good people of Sri Lanka are now, without crossing too many hurdles, are able to import cars from the UK. This is great news for the car enthusiasts in the island country as now they have access to vehicles not available locally. Exciting, right? But the process can feel confusing if you’ve never done it before. Don’t worry, we’ll walk through the steps without drowning you in jargon.

Know the Rules First

This may be predictable, but the very first step is understanding import rules, especially because Sri Lanka doesn’t play around in terms of vehicle import regulations. They allow you to bring in one car per year (not registered users) for personal use, you require a TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number), and if the vehicle is older than 8 years, special permissions are required. 

Picking Your Ride

Most people make this the first step, and it’s totally understandable why. For car enthusiasts, the UK car market is like an underguarded candy, and they’re the kids. From home-grown classics like Jaguars and Aston Martins to amazing supercar showrooms that have other brands in their inventory, the choices are endless. Though it is best to make the purchase through a trusted dealer because nothing kills excitement faster than a car with hidden issues.

Paperwork You’ll Need

Before shipping, get your documents in order:

I) Proof of ownership

II) Papers of UK registrations 

III) Insurance for the journey

IV) Inspection certificates if required

Needless to say, if you miss any of these, your import is going to be stalled resulting in delays or fines. 

Shipping Options

Primarily speaking, there are two main ways to transport your vehicle from the UK to Sri Lanka, namely RoRo shipping and Container shipping. 

Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping is the more affordable option but in terms of protection? Your vehicle is at the mercy of the elements. Container shipping offers real protection as your car goes inside a container. Most luxury car export are carried out using the latter.

Read Also: Why Exporting Luxury Cars to Sri Lanka is on the Rise?

Clearing Customs

When your car arrives at Colombo or Hambantota port, customs steps in. Expect:

I) Taxes and import duties based on value

II) Vehicle inspections

Hiring a licensed customs agent can make this painless. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Registering Your Vehicle

Once past customs, head to the Department of Motor Traffic. You’ll submit all documents, pay registration fees, and pass an inspection. Then your car is officially road-legal. Driving that dream UK vehicle on Sri Lankan streets? Priceless.

Cost Considerations

Importing isn’t just the car price. Factor in:

I) Purchase cost

II) Shipping fees

III) Taxes and import duties

IV) Registration fees

Plan ahead. Surprises here are expensive.

Alternative Route: Local Luxury Marketplaces

Not up for all the paperwork and waiting? Local luxury car marketplaces and supercar showroom like GVE London can save you time. Often, they have the exact models you’re looking for, without the shipping hassle.

Conclusion

Importing a vehicle from the UK to Sri Lanka is possible, but can seem like a daunting task considering the amount of planning, paperwork and patience it takes. Not up for all the paperwork and waiting? Local supercar showrooms and luxury car marketplaces, such as GVE London, can take care of things on your behalf. You do the fun part of picking the car you want, and we’ll take care of the rest. You’ll have your dream ride in no time. Furthermore, being enthusiasts, we not only perform the usual repairs and service but can work on customisation, window tints and detailing as well. To know more, hop on a call with us today!