Sri Lanka Extends 50% Vehicle Import Surcharge Through 2026

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, acting as Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, issued an order extending a 50% surcharge on Customs Import Duty for specified imported motor vehicles. The measure takes effect on August 15 and remains in place until December 31, 2026.

The surcharge applies to both General and Preferential Customs Import Duty rates. Most vehicles with Letters of Credit established on or before May 15, 2026, are exempt from the additional cost.

However, the government will apply the surcharge to these previously exempt vehicles if the shipped-on-board date occurs after November 15, 2026, or if key details within the Letters of Credit are amended.