A special Gazette notification has been issued amending key import and export regulations, including permitting Bureau Veritas inspection certificates and online authentication of documents, to release imported vehicles.
The Gazette notification, dated 19 March 2025, has been issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance.
The special Gazette has reportedly been issued to resolve issues surrounding several obstacles cited by vehicle importers in releasing vehicles from Sri Lanka Customs.
The move comes after the delay in releasing nearly 400 vehicles imported from Japan that were stuck at Sri Lanka Customs.
Amendments in the new Gazette stipulate that Bureau Veritas inspection certificates will now be accepted for vehicle imports from all countries.
Per the new regulations, Sri Lanka Customs is also required to verify the authenticity of documents online before clearing motor vehicles.
The Gazette states Sri Lanka Customs must ensure that all documents endorsed by licensed banks undergo authentication through online verification.
Recently, vehicle importers also charged that a flawed decision on import regulations has resulted in around 400 vehicles being held at Sri Lanka Customs for over 20 days.
Chairman of the Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka Indika Sampath Merenchige said that the requirement to specify either the production year or exact manufacturing date has made compliance difficult. (Newswire)
