Process for Exporting Cars to Sri Lanka | GVE London – Blog

After years of restrictions due to one reason or another, exporting cars from the UK to Sri Lanka has been made possible again. Needless to say, though, it isn’t as simple as buying something off Amazon just yet, but it is possible. Sri Lanka has strict import rules, high taxes, and a lengthy—or tedious, as one might describe it—clearance process that can trip up even experienced exporters at times. So, if you’re considering shipping your car from the UK, this blog will list out all you need to know.

Are Car Imports to Sri Lanka Allowed?

Yes! Thankfully, after a long five-year ban, the Sri Lankan government has reopened vehicle imports as of February 1, 2025. However, with it comes the new tax structure and even stricter rules than before to regulate the inflow of cars. Supercars and luxury vehicles particularly got the worst end of the stick, with heavy duties imposed upon them, paired with the obvious requirement of meeting local compliance requirements before you can ride them around a Sri Lankan town.

The country’s National Transport Commission (NTC) oversees vehicle imports, ensuring they meet safety, emissions, and technical standards. For example, cars must comply with Euro 4 emission standards at a minimum. Supercars and other high-performance vehicles may also need additional certifications, such as crash test compliance.

Understanding the Costs: Taxes & Duties

Okay, let’s talk about the not-so-fun part and the biggest hindrance to importing luxury and supercars into Sri Lanka—the sheer amount of money a car costs at the end of the tax train. The government charges a bunch of fees, including:

• Customs Duty, which can range anywhere from 30% to a whopping 200%, depending on the car’s engine size and value.
• VAT (Value Added Tax), which is another 15% on top of the car’s total value, including customs duty.
• Additional charges for processing and clearing the car at the port.

These costs combined add up to a ludicrous amount sometimes, so make sure to factor them in beforehand to avoid any surprises.

Read Also: Shipping Cars Overseas from the UK: Costs and Options Explained

Things to Consider

Once you’ve understood the taxation system and the buyer is ready to bear the costs, it’s now about going through customs and shipping your vehicle. You’re going to need the following documents:

• Bill of Lading: Proof of shipment and ownership.
• Commercial Invoice: Details the car’s value, specifications, and sale terms.
• Certificate of Origin: Confirms the car was manufactured in the UK.
• Export Declaration: Submitted to UK customs.
• NTC Approval: Required for vehicle registration in Sri Lanka.

You also need to choose a shipping method. Generally speaking, container shipping is the way to go, as Ro-Ro shipping (roll-on/roll-off) offers no protection and often results in damage to your car. Also, make sure to get insurance.

Conclusion

Shipping to Sri Lanka is not the easiest task in the world, so it’s best to work with a luxury car export dealer like GVE London. We are London’s finest supercar showroom and trade showroom, dealing with high-end vehicles, and we take care of the entire process for you. Furthermore, being enthusiasts, we not only perform the usual repairs and service but can work on customisation, modifications and detailing as well. To know more, hop on a call with us today!