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Colombo Auto Imports Guide

How Vehicle Import Tax Is Calculated in Sri Lanka

Understand CIF value, customs import duty, surcharge, excise duty, luxury tax, VAT and SSCL when estimating vehicle import costs.

The auction price is only the starting point. Vehicle import tax is not simply one percentage applied to the purchase price.

Main components that can affect landed cost

CIF value

The vehicle cost, insurance and freight converted into Sri Lankan rupees.

Customs Import Duty

Applied according to the vehicle's customs classification.

Surcharge on Customs Duty

Where applicable, calculated on the relevant customs import duty.

Excise Duty

Often influenced by factors such as engine capacity, fuel type and vehicle category.

Luxury Tax

May apply when the vehicle exceeds the relevant threshold.

VAT and SSCL

Calculated using their applicable tax bases, which may include earlier duties and levies.

Why two similar vehicles can cost very different amounts

Model, engine capacity, fuel type, specification, exchange rate and tax classification can all change the final landed cost. Two vehicles with similar auction prices can therefore end up with materially different total costs.

Tax rules and exchange rates can change. Any estimate should be checked against current rules before purchase or LC opening.

Check whether your quotation has the correct tax.

Use our Vehicle Import Tax Calculator before you commit to a quotation.

Open Tax Calculator
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