Import Japanese Cars to Sri Lanka

Complete Import Regulations & Procedures Guide

RHD island. Used JDM retail import is not generally open. Permit first....

Market access

Restricted / permit

Last verified: August 2026

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Year Rules

Ports

Inspection

Taxes

Documents

Official sources

Year Restriction

Used passenger-car imports generally banned / permit only

Shipping Time

Only after a valid import permit exists

Year Restrictions

Used passenger-car imports generally banned / permit only

Sri Lanka is RHD. Used passenger car imports have been restricted or banned for general commercial purposes for several years (Gazette / Import Control). Limited windows (vehicle permits, concessionary permits, diplomatic, project vehicles) appear in budgets. Do not ship a Japan auction car on speculation.

Destination Port & Shipping Information

Main Destination Port

Colombo

Alternative Ports:

Colombo

Colombo is the only practical car port. Sri Lanka Customs will not clear a banned used car.

Shipping Duration:

Only after a valid import permit exists

Inspection Requirements

Inspection is Required

Inspection Type:

Sri Lanka Customs + RMV after a legal import

Last verified & official sources

Last verified: August 2026 — rules and rates change; confirm with the authority before you buy.

Sri Lanka Customs

Official calculator / procedures

Import Duties & Taxes

Import Duty

When permitted: very high duty/excise/PAL/VAT stack — confirm Sri Lanka Customs

VAT

VAT on import when the unit is legally importable

Treat stacked percentages as a planning range only. Use the official calculator or procedures page or a licensed clearing agent before you bid.

Required Documentation

Required Documents:

Import permit / Gazette authority
Export Certificate
Bill of Lading
Invoice

Documents for Company Importers:

Import License Required: Companies must obtain an import license before importing vehicles.

Important Notes

Official: Sri Lanka Customs (customs.gov.lk) and Department of Import and Export Control gazettes. Re-check before any purchase — bans have lasted years with only narrow exceptions.