1,025 Imported Vehicles Remain Unclaimed; Sri Lanka Customs

28-Jul-2026

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Sri Lanka Customs has announced that importers have failed to clear approximately 1,025 imported vehicles currently held at the Hambantota Port.

Customs Media Spokesman Sandana Punchihewa said that of the 1,025 vehicles awaiting clearance, 625 have remained at the port for more than six months since their importation.

He stressed that none of these vehicles is involved in any Customs-related offence. Accordingly, vehicles that remain unclaimed despite having no Customs violations will, in future, be auctioned or sold through a tender process under Section 129 of the Customs Ordinance.

Under the law, all imported goods must be cleared within one month after payment of the applicable duties and taxes. If importers fail to do so, Customs is empowered to dispose of the goods and recover the Government's tax revenue from the proceeds of the sale.

Any balance remaining after the settlement of taxes will be used to pay port and storage charges. If funds remain thereafter, the balance will be refunded to the relevant importer.

Where imported goods remain uncleared for more than one month, the Port Controller is required to notify Sri Lanka Customs.

Punchihewa said Customs has now been informed of the vehicles that remain unclaimed and will proceed with the necessary measures to dispose of them.

However, he added that importers who have genuine reasons for being unable to clear their vehicles may present their cases for consideration.