The Sri Lankan government has extended the 50% surcharge imposed on vehicle imports until December 31, prolonging the additional levy that was originally scheduled to expire on August 15.
The extension was issued under powers vested in the President by Section 10A of the Customs Ordinance (Chapter 235), as amended by Act No. 83 of 1988. The directive will remain in effect from August 15 through December 31.
However, the surcharge will not apply to vehicle imports for which Letters of Credit (LCs) were opened on or before May 15. Importers who had completed their banking arrangements by that date will therefore remain exempt from the additional charge.
The 50% surcharge was introduced on May 16 as a temporary measure calculated on top of existing General and Preferential Customs Import Duties.
The levy was introduced as part of measures to manage foreign exchange liquidity and control import expenditure. Its extension means higher import-related costs for vehicles will remain in place through the final quarter of 2026.
