{"id":9475,"date":"2021-02-21T10:17:32","date_gmt":"2021-02-21T10:17:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplebooks.com\/srilanka\/?p=9475"},"modified":"2026-04-19T10:02:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T04:32:08","slug":"sri-lanka-customs-importers-and-exporters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplebooks.com\/srilanka\/sri-lanka-customs-importers-and-exporters","title":{"rendered":"A guide for importers and exporters in Sri Lanka"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Note:<\/strong> As of 2026, you will now need to declare who the beneficiary owner (BO) of the company by filling out the BO5 and BO1 form.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are you thinking about setting up an import or export business in Sri Lanka? Sri Lanka’s unique geographic location gives many advantages to operate an import or export business from the country. However, understanding the processes, and regulations you need to follow can be difficult without the proper guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, you’ll learn everything there is to know about operating an import and export business in Sri Lanka, including how to register your business for import or export, Sri Lanka Customs processes and tools, understand the function of HS codes, customs duty and tariff rates, and various import and export requirements that you will have to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Get Free Advice for Your Import and Export Business<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

How to register as an importer or exporter?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To start your business as an importer or exporter, the first thing you need to do is register with Sri Lanka Customs by following the below steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Obtain the application<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Submit the application form titled “Importer Exporter Registration Application.” This application contains several mandatory fields that need to be completed by you. (e.g., Name of Business, Address, Details of Directors\/Partners)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usually, you’d have to visit the website of the Customs Department to obtain your application. However, we’ve attached a soft copy of the sheet here<\/a> to make things easier for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Get enrolled in the ASYCUDA system.<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

The ASYCUDA (Automated System for Customs Data) system is an integrated customs management system used by Sri Lankan Customs. The system helps in keeping track of information on products that are being imported or exported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ll need to upload company\/personal details along with photographs of all partners\/individuals to the Sri Lanka Customs ASYCUDA system through a Customs House Agent. A more detailed version of the process has been attached here<\/a> for your reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Collect all required documents.<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Once you have completed the application, you’ll need to obtain & submit several documents and certifications alongside your application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s what you’ll need if you’re registering as;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Limited Liability<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.<\/td>National Identity Card\/Passport of two directors (who have signed the application) along with photocopies of the NICs\/Passports of all directors [If all directors are foreigners, at least one director must possess Permanent Residence (PR), Residential Visa (RV) or Business Visa (BV)]<\/td><\/tr>
2.<\/td>VAT certificate (Obtained from the Inland Revenue Department)<\/td><\/tr>
3.<\/td>TIN certificate<\/a> (Also obtained from Inland Revenue Department)<\/td><\/tr>
4.<\/td>Commercial invoice and Bill of Lading (BL)\/Airway Bill (required only for the registrations as an Importer)<\/td><\/tr>
5.<\/td>Certificate of Incorporation<\/td><\/tr>
6.<\/td>Form 01 or Form 48 & 40 (obtained from the Registrar of Companies)<\/td><\/tr>
7.<\/td>Deed or Lease agreement<\/a> of the business premises relevant to the address in the TIN certificate<\/td><\/tr>
8.<\/td>Billing Proof relevant to the address in the TIN Certificate (Water Bill\/Electricity Bill\/Sri Lanka Telecom Bill)<\/td><\/tr>
9.<\/td>For Overseas Companies \u2013 Forms 44, 45, and 46 (obtained from the Registrar of Companies)<\/td><\/tr>
10.<\/td>For a change in company address \u2013 Form 13<\/a> (obtained from the Registrar of Companies)<\/td><\/tr>
11.<\/td>If there is a change in directorial roles \u2013 Form 20<\/a> (obtained from the Registrar of Companies)<\/td><\/tr>
12.<\/td>If there is a change in the company name \u2013 From 03 (obtained from the Registrar of Companies)<\/td><\/tr>
13.<\/td>For BOI companies \u2013 The BOI Registration<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sole Proprietor\/Partnership<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.<\/td>National Identity Card\/Passport of two partners\/applicants & photocopies of all partners’ NICs\/Passports.<\/td><\/tr>
2.<\/td>VAT certificate<\/td><\/tr>
3.<\/td>TIN certificate<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
4.<\/td>Commercial invoice and Bill of Lading (B\/L), Airway Bill (required only for the registrations as an Importer)<\/td><\/tr>
5.<\/td>Business Registration Certificate (Not applicable for personal imports)<\/td><\/tr>
6.<\/td>Deed or Lease agreement<\/a> of the business premises relevant to the address in the TIN certificate.<\/td><\/tr>
7.<\/td>Billing Proof relevant to the address in the TIN Certificate (Water Bill\/Electricity Bill\/Sri Lanka Telecom Bill)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Step 4: Take a few copies<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

You’ll also need to hand in photocopies when handing in your registration for all original documents, so remember to keep copies of all the documents you have collected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 5: Submit your application<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve collected all the necessary details, you can submit your application to Sri Lanka Customs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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