1. Your category in Sri Lanka
Pick your category and this section shows what we actually hold for Sri Lanka: how many potential buyers we have verified, what roles they play in the supply chain, and how well they fit. Switch back to All industries at any time.
“Potential buyers” means the buyers we have verified and listed in our own directory — not every importer in the country. Buyer roles are our own grouping of the roles recorded in that directory.
2. Entry gate
Sri Lanka keeps a standards regime and an import-control regime running in parallel, and they catch different shipments. Some products need an SLSI certificate and the SLS mark; some HS lines need an import control licence; and the controlled list has been redrawn repeatedly under the IMF programme. Check both against your HS code before you quote, because either one missing means the goods are not admissible.
| Requirement | Status | What it involves | Lead time | Cost | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLSI certification (SLS mark) | Mandatory (listed goods) | The Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) operates mandatory certification for a range of imported products. Listed goods need an SLS mark, typically issued on the basis of testing at an accredited laboratory, before they may be sold. | Pending | Pending | Pending |
| Import control licence | Mandatory (controlled goods) | Certain goods require an import control licence from the licensing authority before shipment. The controlled list has been changed repeatedly in recent years under the IMF programme, so it must be checked against your current HS code. | Pending | Pending | Pending |
| Importer of record | Always applies | Goods must be declared by a Sri Lankan importer registered with the Inland Revenue Department and holding the relevant tax registrations. A foreign seller cannot act as importer of record. | Pending | Pending | Pending |
| Tariff (MFN) | Always applies | Average applied MFN tariff around 5.7%; the rate depends on the HS line and must be confirmed line by line at HS-code level. | — | On customs value | Pending |
| Tariff (preference) | Not available | There is no free trade agreement between China and Sri Lanka, so Chinese-origin goods pay the MFN rate under the Sri Lankan tariff. Confirm the exact HS line, as rates vary widely across the schedule. | — | — | Pending |
| VAT | Always applies | 18% VAT is charged at import on the CIF value plus duty. The standard rate was raised from 15% to 18% in January 2024. It is recoverable by a VAT-registered importer, though refunds can be slow. | — | 18% | Pending |
| Labelling | Mandatory | Labels for imported goods must generally carry the product name, importer details, country of origin and net content, with instructions in Sinhala, Tamil or English where required. Requirements vary by product category. | Pending | — | Pending |
Certification, tariff and clearance figures change. Every row above carries a verification date, and the current requirement is confirmed with your nominated local agent before each shipment.
3. Buyers and channel partners
Leading buyers and channel partners
How to use this list: do not mass-mail. Sri Lankan buying decisions are made by a few senior people and run on trust, so use an introduction where you can and follow up patiently. An importer who already tracks the SLSI and import-control lists is worth more than a larger buyer who does not.
4. Demand and import profile
Select your HS code and this block shows the import performance of your own category in Sri Lanka — not the country's macro numbers.
Import size & growth
Example: imports of this category run at a double-digit share of the market's total and are growing faster than overall imports.
Example values · to be replaced with OEC / WITS data for your HS line
Source-country mix
Example: China is the largest source, ahead of regional and EU suppliers.
Example values · to be replaced with OEC / WITS data for your HS line
Price band
Example: the mid price band is where Chinese supply competes; the low band is held by regional producers.
Example values · to be replaced with customs / trade data
What we can supply to this market
These are the lines we have found the strongest fit for Sri Lanka. Specifications are on the product pages; tell us your application and we will confirm the model.
5. Landed-cost calculator
A static table cannot persuade anyone. Enter your own numbers and see the landed cost. Duty rate and freight are editable so you can test scenarios.
Your shipment
Estimated landed cost
Illustrative calculation only. It excludes anti-dumping duty, excise, port storage and any category-specific surcharge. Confirm the duty rate and local charges with your forwarder before making a commitment.
6. Logistics and customs
Clearance-day figures change with congestion and policy; treat as indicative and confirm before quoting.
7. Payment, currency and tax
8. Localisation and communication
These are the details nobody tells you, and one mistake can cost you a customer.
9. Risks and timing
Frequently asked questions
Do I need certification to sell into Sri Lanka?
For listed products, yes. The Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) operates mandatory certification, and the product carries the SLS mark. Check whether your HS line and product category fall under a mandatory standard before you quote.
Do I need an import licence?
Some goods require an import control licence before shipment, and the controlled list has been redrawn repeatedly under the IMF programme. Confirm the current status of your HS code with the importer or a customs broker.
Can I be the importer of record myself?
No. Goods must be declared by a Sri Lankan importer registered with the Inland Revenue Department. Most exporters work through a local importer or distributor rather than setting up an entity.
What is the import duty on my product?
Sri Lanka applies its MFN tariff, with a weighted mean around 5.73%, but rates vary widely by HS line. There is no free trade agreement with China, so Chinese-origin goods pay the MFN rate.
How much is VAT on imports?
18%, charged on the CIF value plus duty. The standard rate was raised from 15% to 18% in January 2024. It is recoverable by a VAT-registered importer, though refunds can take time.
Which port should I ship to?
Colombo is the main gateway and a major South Asian transshipment hub, with direct sailings from Asia and feeder options via Singapore or Chennai. Clearance is usually quick once the customs and permit file is complete.