How do I get registered with Customs? (Forms,Instructions)
All Customs House Agents registration details will find at TIN / VAT / CHA Registration
How to obtain access to ASYCUDA World? (Forms, Guidelines etc.)
All Asycuda registration information will find at ICT Directorate > Registration > Importers
How should I declare the Import consignment to Customs?
Import consignments should be declared to the customs through a Customs House Agent and submit the Customs Declaration online.
When should I submit the Import Entry?
The Customs Declaration(Entry) should be submitted after arrival of goods and also after obtaining the Delivery Order from the Shipping Agent.
How can I find the correct HS Code? (Tariff Guide, Advance Ruling…)
You can refer the Tariff Guide to find the HS code and if there is any uncertainty in finding the correct HS code you can obtain an advance ruling from the Commodity Classification Branch.
What would be the Customs value for duty calculation?
The Customs value for the duty calculation should be the actual transaction value of the goods and the value for Motor Vehicles is decided by the Valuation committee of the Customs Department
What would be my Import duty?
Once the HS code is obtained the duty rates applicable for each and every HS code is mentioned in the Customs Tariff Guide.
What are the customs charges ?
In Addition to the charges mentioned in the Tariff Guide, Rs. 250/- is charged for each and every customs declaration as computer Charges and Rs. 100/- per containerized cargo as seal charges and Rs. 1600/- as overtime charges are applicable only for full container load (FCL) cargo.
How do I pay (Payment instructions, E-Payment facility)?
Payment can be made at any Bank of Ceylon Branch or People’s Bank branch or the payment can be made online if the consignee has internet payment facility with those two Banks. Payment can also be made at the Customs Headquarters Banks by Bank Drafts.
What are my legal obligations as an Importer?
Your legal obligation is to declare all the goods imported correctly and pay the correct amount of duty before the goods are released and taking delivery.
What is the procedure for importing a motor vehicle?
All information will find at Declaration Directorate > Motor Vehicle Unit
What are the restricted/ prohibited articles? (License requirements,)
What would happen if I breach the law?
If you breach the law , you will be dealt in terms of the Customs Ordinance.
How can I clear Trade samples?
Trade samples can be cleared under No Foreign Exchange (NFE) basis after obtaining the approval from the Director/Deputy Director (Declaration). But, the relevant duty and other levies for the trade sample should be paid to Customs before such goods are cleared from the customs.
Whom should I contact in case of any doubt?
You can contact Customs Information counter over the phone (0112143434-Information Centre) in case of any doubt about your import consignment or for any Customs matter.
How to obtain a Refund/ Rebate?
You have to apply to Refund Branch for any refund or Rebate with relevant documents for the Refund/Rebate.
How to amend a cusdec ?
You have to fill the amendment form and submit to the relevant customs office.
What are the regulations that govern the submission of manifest?
1. Customs Ordinance (Chapter 235)
2. Gazette Notification No. 1886/55 of 31.10.2014
With regard to Electronic Sea Cargo reporting what is the Regulation that you need to follow?
Gazette Notification No. 1886/55 of 31.10.2014
When do e-manifests for inward sea cargo should be submitted to Sri Lanka Customs?
Every cargo reporters shall submit an inward cargo report to Sri Lanka Customs electronically;
(i) not later than seventy two (72) hour period before the arrival in the first port of call in Sri Lanka ; or
(ii) if the duration of the voyage to a port in Sri Lanka is less than seventy two (72) hours, on the departure from the last port outside Sri Lanka.
Who is entitled to submit the e-manifests to Sri Lanka Customs?
Every person who holds a valid license issued to carry on the business as a Shipping Agent, Freight Forwarder or Non Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC).
Do we need to submit the hard copy of the manifest to the Port Control unit?
No, you need to submit it to the D-Branch
What is the action taken against the Cargo Reporters for not adhering to the Gazette Regulations?
Any cargo reporter who contravenes the provisions of this regulations shall be guilty of an offence and shall on conviction after summery trial by a Magistrate be liable to a fine, not exceeding twenty-five thousand rupees or in imprisonment of either description for a term not exceeding three months or to both such fine and imprisonment.
Who does the e-manifest amendments in Sri Lanka Customs?
D-Branch is empowered to do the e-manifest amendments.
Is there any separate regulations for advance reporting of e-manifests in regard to air cargo consignments?
Draft regulation has been prepared including sea and air cargo advance reporting of e- manifests and yet to be approved and published.