Since antiquity, Sri Lanka has had a variety of names - Tambapanni, Sarandib, Ceylon, but 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean' best describes its beauty and magic. Its verdant hills are home to elephants and leopards, and the world's cleanest tea: Ceylon,for its low pesticides levels.
Because of Sri Lanka's harbours and position on the maritime Silk Route, trade has been important to this island nation for millennia. So, it is not surprising in this era of e-commerce, that Sri Lanka has exhibited a notable increase of B2C activity recently. And with the forecast for a 14% annual growth rate of revenues stretching to 2025, isn't it time to trade for some Ceylon tea?
Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to Sri Lanka through a variety of carriers using Secureship
Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to Sri Lanka. In case you are an everyday shopper or a business,
you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.
Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to Sri Lanka
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Jun 2, 2023
8:49 am
Pita Kotte, PI, LK
Delivered
Jun 1, 2023
7:18 am
Jaffna, JA, LK
In transit
May 31, 2023
9:03 pm
Moratuwa, MO, LK
International Clearance
May 31, 2023
8:14 am
Colombo, CO, LK
In transit
May 31, 2023
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
May 30, 2023
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan
Disclaimer!
While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is
important to consult a licensed broker in Sri Lanka before shipping any goods.
Types of Shipments
Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different
paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.
Here is a list of the most common types of shipments:
A gift of a personal nature shipped to Sri Lanka from Canada is allowed entry exempt from duty if its value is 15,000 Rs or less (about $95 CAD); gifts of 10,000 Rs or less ($60 CAD) are exempt from VAT.
NOTE: Gifts must be shipped in reasonable quantities. If a shipment of gifts is deemed to be too large, customs will declare the goods a commercial shipment.
Shipments from Individual-to-Individual
A gift shipment from an individual in Canada to an individual in Sri Lanka will be exempt from duty and taxes as follows:
If its value is 15,000 Rs or less (about $95 CAD), then no duty
If its value is 10,000 Rs or less (about $60 CAD), then no VAT
Shipments from Business-to-Business
A gift shipped from a business in Canada to a business in Sri Lanka will incur duty and taxes regardless of its value.
Shipments from Business-to-Individual
If a business in Canada ships a gift to an individual in Sri Lanka, it will incur duty and taxes. There are no exceptions.
Gift Checklist
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time
(see sample)
List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one individually.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Sri Lanka City 01001 Sri Lanka
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$79.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Multiple Gifts in One Shipment
If there are multiple gifts in one shipment, be advised that the quantity must be reasonable; otherwise, customs officials may consider it a commercial transaction, and duty and taxes will therefore be charged.
Provided the value of the shipment is 10,000 Rs or less (about $60 CAD), it will be exempt from VAT; and if it is 15,000 Rs or less (about $95 CAD), no duty will be incurred.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Sri Lanka City 01001 Sri Lanka
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set
CA
$39.99
1 Each
Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket
CA
$49.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Gifts Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Personal effects shipped to Sri Lanka will be exempt from duty provided:
They are for the use of the individual and/or his or her family
The amount of goods in total, or of any particular item, is clearly for household use only and cannot be construed as a consumer quantity
The shipment arrives from 30 days before to 90 days after the arrival of the owner
Moving Temporarily
Students
There is no information available at this time concerning students moving to Sri Lanka with their personal effects to study.
Non-students
Non-students who move temporarily to Sri Lanka may ship their personal effects (also referred to unaccompanied personal baggage) exempt from duty charges. Restrictions on the shipment include:
The goods are not for exchange or sale
They are in an amount suitable to the size of the household (i.e. not a commercial quantity)
Will not be given to someone as a gift
Moving Permanently
Lankan citizens may ship their personal effects into Sri Lanka exempt from duty charges provided:
They are imported strictly for the use of the individual and/or his or her family
The amount of goods is clearly for the household only, and is not in a commercial quantity
The shipment arrives no more than 30 days before and 90 days after the arrival of the owner of the goods
Personal Effects Checklist
They are imported strictly for the use of the individual and/or his or her family
The amount of goods is clearly for the household only, and is not in a commercial quantity
The shipment arrives no more than 30 days before and 90 days after the arrival of the owner of the goods
Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Sri Lanka City 01001 Sri Lanka
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.
CA
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Promotional Material Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Repairs
Equipment shipped to Sri Lanka for repair may enter the country as a temporary import. A refundable bank guarantee will be required to cover any importation duties.
Items Under Warranty
No GST will be charged for equipment and items under warranty that are repaired in Sri Lanka and returned to Canada.
Items No Longer Under Warranty
An item that is no longer under warranty and returns to Canada from Sri Lanka will be charged GST. The GST will be charged on the value of the repair and on any parts required for the repair.
Sending Product for Repair to Sri Lanka
If you ship a piece of equipment to Sri Lanka for repair, it may enter the country exempt from duty because it is a temporary import; however, a guarantee deposit will be required to cover the duty charges.
Returning Repaired Product to Sri Lanka
Equipment that has been sent to Canada from Sri Lanka for repair may re-enter Sri Lanka exempt from duty payments.
Repair Checklist
Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return
(see sample)
Include repair contract with shipment
Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to Sri Lanka or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Sri Lanka City 01001 Sri Lanka
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 Each
Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00
US
$163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Warranty Repair Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Temporary Imports
Goods and equipment of a temporary nature may enter Sri Lanka if accompanied by a bank guarantee that covers the import duties. Items should leave the country within 6 months of their entry.
Items that are allowed temporary entry to the country include:
Commercial samples and advertising materials
Professional equipment
Machinery and similar goods for display at fairs, exhibitions, or meetings
Teaching materials
Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import
In order to import your goods duty and tax free into Sri Lanka, you can pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below.
Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires you to complete a Commercial Invoice (CI). More details below.
Option #
Temporary Import Method
Risk of paying
1
Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided)
High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2
Commercial Invoice
+
ATA Carnet
Very Low
1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only
This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.
NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax free.
Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, FedEx, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties and taxes.
2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet
Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel in and out of the country.
It's also great because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application process a one-time thing.
In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary nature.
NOTE: It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet for items that frequently
travel in and out of the country and especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD
In addition to the 2 options listed above, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, allowing for normal wear-and-tear; maintenance and minor repairs are allowed under certain conditions
If an ATA Carnet is used, the goods may stay no longer than 1 year in Sri Lanka
Temporary Imports Checklist
Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods.
(see sample)
The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
Stay no longer than the period listed above
Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
Any above listed items not listed in this checklist
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Sri Lanka City 01001 Sri Lanka
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
1 box
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment
CA
$1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Temporary Imports Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Permanent/Sold Goods
All sold goods will incur duty and VAT when they enter Sri Lanka with the exception of shipments for personal use of the recipient and if the value:
Is 10,000 Rs or less (about $60 CAD) to be VAT free
Is 15,000 Rs or less (about $95 CAD) to be duty-free
Occasional Shipper
If you are an occasional shipper of sold goods, for example via eBay, the items will be exempt from VAT if their value is 10,000 Rs or less (about $60 CAD); and exempt from duty if their value is 15,000 Rs or less (about $95 CAD).
Regular shipper
Enterprises that regularly ship sold goods to Sri Lanka should consult a licenced customs broker in Sri Lanka.
Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods
Ship To
Invoice
Miguel Ángel Asturias Calle 24 3-81 Sri Lanka City 01001 Sri Lanka
Phone: +502 2208 7777
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera
Invoice number: 123456MGEP4916926 Customs Broker: UPS Date: 30 May 2023
QTY
Description of Goods
C/O
SubTotal
15 Each
Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.
CA
$132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export:Permanent/Sold Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge
Required Documents
Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming.
So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.
Document Type
When?
Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading
Always required
This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice
Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels).
These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.
When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.
B13a
Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with Sri Lanka. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.
When an item with a COO is imported into Sri Lanka, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Infrequently required
Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise,
it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet
Infrequently required
Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and
ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.
No specific form required, but generally includes information regarding:
The exporter, importer and transport company
Date of issue
Number of freight invoice
Type and number of packages
Contents of each package
Marks and numbers
Net weight, gross weight and measurements of each package
Prohibited & Restricted Imports
Prohibited goods may not enter Sri Lanka while those deemed restricted are allowed entry to the country, but they may have limits to quantities or must abide by other rules.
Prohibited Items
Psychotropic substances
and narcotics
Chemicals and drugs that are precursors to other prohibited substances
Gold jewellery, coins, and bullion
Coffee, tea, and maté
Spices
Books and articles considered to be obscene or will offend religious beliefs
Sri Lanka calculates the duty and taxes owed on a shipment using the CIF method, i.e. the sum of the customs value plus insurance amount plus freight costs.
CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs
The calculation of the CIF value will allow you to predict the amount of duty and taxes the recipient of a shipment will be charged.
Thresholds
The threshold (also known as the de minimis value) on shipments is the amount below which no duty or taxes are incurred.
For goods entering Sri Lanka, the thresholds are as follows:
Commercial samples
Personal items (incl. gifts)
Duties threshold
50,000 Rs (about $310 CAD)
15,000 Rs (about $95 CAD)
VAT threshold
10,000 Rs (about $60 CAD)
10,000 Rs (about $60 CAD)
Currency
Sri Lankan rupees LKR
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value)
LKR 50,000* (samples)
LKR 15,000** (personal items, including gifts)
Duty Calculation Method
CIF
TAX (VAT)
8%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
LKR 10,000*** (samples and personal items, incl. gifts)
Tax Calculation Method
CIF
*about $310 CAD
**about $95 CAD
***about $60 CAD
Duties on Imports
Excise Duties
Sri Lanka customs impose excise duties as well as additional taxes such as CESS on a wide range of products. Some of those taxes include:
Cigars, cigarillos, and cheroots: Excise 8,000 Rs/ kg (about $50 CAD); CESS 6,000 Rs/ kg (about $35 CAD)
Cigarettes: Excise 11,600 Rs/ (about $70 CAD)
Spirits: CESS 70%
Soft drinks and energy drinks: Excise 12 Rs/L (about 7¢ CAD)
Candy15% or Rs.33 per kg
Chocolate15% or Rs.40 per kg
Spirits and winesRs 2,750/L (spirits) Rs 440/L (wine)
Tobacco*Rs 2,000/kg**15%
Books0%
Documents0%
Video games & consoles15%
Computers & laptops0%
Tablets0%
Mobiles0%
Cameras0%
Accessories for Electronics0%
Coats0%
Beauty products & cosmetics0%
Jewellery0%
Shirts & pants0%
Home appliances15%
Toys15%
Sports equipment0%
*On cigars, cheroots, and cigarillos (about $12 CAD/kg)
You can purchase
insurance
through Secureship and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.
Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.
Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn’t meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.
Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:
Personal belongings
Antiques
Artwork
Liquids (including alcohol)
Televisions
Jewellery in excess of $500
Perishable goods
Glass or Ceramic
And many more items
For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.
Shipping to Sri Lanka from Canada can take between 3-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform.
More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2 months to complete the delivery.
