The government has extended the temporary 50% surcharge imposed on Customs Import Duty applicable to selected motor vehicle imports until December 31, 2026.
The extension will take effect from August 15, according to an order issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
The order applies a surcharge of 50% on the applicable Customs Import Duty, on both General and Preferential bases, for motor vehicles listed in the relevant schedule.
The schedule covers a wide range of vehicle categories, including passenger vehicles and motor cars powered by petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric powertrains.
Vehicles for which Letters of Credit were established on or before May 15, 2026, are generally exempt from the surcharge.
However, the surcharge will apply where specified details of those Letters of Credit have subsequently been amended, including vehicle numbers, identification numbers, descriptions, technical specifications or expiry dates.
It will also apply where the shipped-on-board date on the Bill of Lading or Airway Bill falls after November 15, 2026.
Sri Lanka Customs has informed officers that the order, published through Extraordinary Gazette No. 2501/88 dated August 13, will be effective from August 15. (Newswire)