An extraordinary gazette under the Import and Export Control Act, signed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, introducing revised vehicle import regulations effective immediately.

Key highlights of the gazette include provisions for the re-importation of vehicles and specific criteria for importers. 

The Director of Sri Lanka Customs is now authorized to release vehicles for which letters of credit were issued under the Controller of Imports and Exports’ regulations between 18 December, 2024, and 27 January, 2025. 

Vehicle imports are permitted under updated guidelines until July 31, 2025.

New Regulations for Vehicle Importers

• Registration Requirements: Imported vehicles must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles in the buyer’s name within 90 days of purchase. Importers and buyers must also submit supporting documents, including their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), for vehicle registration.

• Import Limits for Individuals: Individuals who are not registered as vehicle importers with the Department of Motor Vehicles are allowed to import only one vehicle per year.

• Penalties for Over-Importation: Registered vehicle importers exceeding 25% of their approved quota within a six-month period, up to December 2025, will face a three-year import ban.

• Re-Export Requirement: Any vehicles imported in violation of the new regulations must be re-exported by the importer within 90 days at their own expense.