A special Gazette notification has been issued, amending key import and export regulations to facilitate the release of imported vehicles.
The changes include accepting Bureau Veritas inspection certificates and mandating online authentication of documents by Sri Lanka Customs.
Dated 19 March 2025, the Gazette was issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as the Minister of Finance. The decision aims to resolve issues raised by vehicle importers regarding delays in clearing vehicles from Sri Lanka Customs.
The move follows the prolonged delay in releasing nearly 400 vehicles imported from Japan, which have been stuck at Sri Lanka Customs for over 20 days due to regulatory complications.
Under the new amendments, Bureau Veritas inspection certificates will be accepted for vehicle imports from all countries. Additionally, Sri Lanka Customs must verify all endorsed documents online before clearing motor vehicles.
Chairman of the Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka, Indika Sampath Merenchige, stated that a flawed decision on import regulations—specifically the requirement to specify either the production year or exact manufacturing date—has contributed to the clearance delays.
