Sri Lanka

General Import Information

Right-Hand Drive Only: Only right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles are permitted for importation into Sri Lanka.
Destination Ports: Colombo and Hambantota are the primary automotive hubs.
Shipping Logistics: Shipments via RORO take approximately 14–24 days with a fortnightly schedule via K-Line and MOL.
Inspection: A JAAI (Japan Auto Appraisal Institute) inspection is mandatory for all used vehicles before they can be shipped from Japan.

Age Restrictions by Vehicle Type

1. Passenger Vehicles (Max. 3 Years)

Motor Cars, SUVs, and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs).
Buses with 10–12 passenger capacity.

2. Utility & Commercial (Max. 4–10 Years)

Vans and Dual-Purpose Vehicles: Max. 4 years old.
Single/Double Cabs & Lorries (< 5MT): Max. 4 years old.
Buses (13–24 passengers): Max. 5 years old.
Heavy Trucks (GVW > 5MT): Max. 10 years old.

Duties & Taxes

Customs Duty: Generally 25% for motor vehicles; ranges from 5% to 35% depending on type.
VAT: 12% on the total CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value.
Other Levies: PAL (5%), NBT (2%), and Ad Valorem rates ranging from 1% to 45%.
Valuation: The assessed value for used vehicles cannot be lower than 85% of the manufacturer's price for an identical new model.

Required Documentation

Original Bill of Lading and Commercial Invoice.
JAAI Pre-shipment Inspection Certificate.
Letter of Credit (LC) and Import License.
Original Registration Certificate (with English translation).
Export Certificate and Insurance Certificate.
Owner's Passport and Customs Goods Declaration.

Note: Sri Lanka has strict tiered age limits (3 years for cars) and requires mandatory JAAI certification before any vehicle leaves Japan.

Sales Team

Adnan Chattha

+81-90-8502-5660

General Manager

Abbasi Muhammad Saad

+81-70-1412-2107

UK, Chile & Dominica

Faisal Muhammad

+81-80-3701-6492

Cyprus, Chile & Dominica

Elvio Yoshiyuki Asai Wagata

+595-985-802236

Paraguay

Khokhar Muhammad Hannan

+81-80-3696-3667

Mozambique, Namibia & Tanzania

Khan Waleed Salah Ud Din

+81-80-3696-4059

Zambia, Zimbabwe & Pakistan

Mohsin Javed

+81-80-3696-3813

Australia, New Zealand

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